A flagship program in the School of Business was recently recognized by the premier accrediting body of business schools around the world for its commitment to innovation.
AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest business education network, featured the College of Charleston School of Business among 24 business schools as highlights of its 2021 Innovations That Inspire member recognition initiative. This annual program recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in the business education landscape and showcases business schools that create a positive societal impact.
The School of Business was recognized for its Impact X program. Impact X is an entrepreneurship course that uses the framework of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for sustainable and profitable businesses. At the end of the course, teams compete in a pitch competition for the chance to win seed money to scale their businesses. The program is housed within the school’s Center for Entrepreneurship, which is led by David Wyman, associate professor of entrepreneurship.
Since 2015, Impact X has formed more than 65 student startup teams that have created cutting-edge, for-profit solutions to improve people’s lives and the planet.
“Our School of Business prides itself on recognizing the importance of being a socially responsible partner with the community in which we live,” said Alan T. Shao, dean of the business school. “Impact X is a transformational program that puts the curriculum spotlight on making a difference while making a profit. Through this shift in mindset, I am confident that many of our graduates will be at the forefront of positive social changes in the communities in which they live.”
Shao also thanked Stuart Williams, the school’s social and entrepreneur-in-residence, for his dedication to the program.
“Business schools everywhere are defining impact objectives and strategies that align with the communities they serve, and the examples featured through AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire initiative perfectly demonstrate business education as a force for good,” said Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, AACSB president and CEO. “We are excited to honor the College of Charleston School of Business for its innovative approach to society’s challenges.”
Now in its sixth year, the Innovations That Inspire initiative has highlighted more than 160 business school efforts that exemplify forward-looking approaches to education, research, community engagement, entrepreneurship and leadership. To date, members of AACSB’s Business Education Alliance have shared more than 1,000 innovations to inform and inspire fellow members and the industry.
To learn more about the College’s social entrepreneurship incubator, visit the Impact X Innovations that Inspire page.
