ABW 2023 Conference: “From Science To Impact”: Creating Impact at Nonprofits with Analytics Research

Key Insights:

• Analytics researchers can significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Practical implementation of analytics research remains a challenge.
• Researchers shared their work and impact on nonprofits through analytics research.
• Importance of human connections and ethical considerations in research emphasized.

Panel 2A, chaired by Dick den Hertog (Science to Impact Director of ABW), focused on the role of analytics researchers in creating impact within the nonprofit sector. The panel aimed to address the challenges researchers face in translating their work into practical applications and fostering meaningful change.

The panel discussion began with an introduction by Dick den Hertog, who emphasized the potential of analytics in driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He acknowledged the difficulties researchers encounter in achieving practical impact and invited three esteemed researchers to share their insights.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Hein Fleuren, Professor at Tilburg University and Scientific Director at Zero Hunger Lab, showcased the work of the Zero Hunger Lab and its impact on SDG 2. Through real-life examples, Prof. Fleuren illustrated how analytics research can address critical issues such as malnutrition and emergency relief supply chain organization. He emphasized the importance of considering the relationships between people and different contextual factors when implementing analytics solutions.

Following Prof. Fleuren’s presentation, Prof. Dimitris Bertsimas from MIT and Prof. Luk Van Wassenhove from INSEAD offered reflections based on their own experiences. Prof. Bertsimas highlighted the challenges universities face in implementing research findings and stressed the need to equip students with the tools and knowledge to translate ideas into actionable solutions. Prof. Van Wassenhove emphasized the importance of asking the right questions to drive impactful research and questioned the role of academics in pursuing ethically driven research.

The panel discussion concluded with engaging questions from the audience, which further enriched the conversation. The panelists and attendees delved into thought-provoking discussions about the practical implementation of analytics research, the role of universities in fostering impact, and the ethical considerations involved.

Watch the full panel here: