Real-world impact: The use of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets for solving wicked problems in Academia

Ashley Culley, Jennifer Kosiol, Ross Chapman, Anneke Fitzgerald, Geoff Chapman, Geremy Farr-Wharton, Frank Gertsen, Ryan Gould, Stephanie Macht, Katrina Radford

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingConference abstract in proceedingResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This paper questions how impact is measured in academic research and proposes that the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an effective framework for determining real-world impact. Bibliometrics used to assess the quality of academic work are mostly quantitative and self-referential, and often adopted by funding bodies, putting additional pressure on academics and schools to increase compliance, thereby reducing focus on real-world impact. Beginning on the ambitious agenda of SDGs, data were collected on how researchers, institutions, and network organisations (such as ANZAM) can contribute to, and measure research aligned with SDGs. Results were generally positive toward using SDGs. Suggestions included aligning funding opportunities, changing KPIs, increasing cross-disciplinary work, aligning mission/vision statements, and legitimising SDG-focused projects at conferences.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication33rd Annual Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management Conference : Wicked Solutions to Wicked Problems: The Challenges Facing Management Research and Practice
PublisherANZAM (Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management)
Publication date2019
Pages1210
Article number178
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-6481109-5-8
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event33rd Annual Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management Conference - Qairns, Australia
Duration: 3 Dec 20196 Dec 2019
https://www.anzam.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ANZ5696-ANZAM-Conference-Proceedings-Abstracts-2019-17-January-2020.pdf

Conference

Conference33rd Annual Australian & New Zealand Academy of Management Conference
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityQairns
Period03/12/201906/12/2019
Internet address

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