What does it mean for business school research to truly make a difference? At Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMUBS), impact is not an abstract aspiration or a box to tick, it is the guiding principle behind how research is designed, delivered and shared. From shaping national and international policy debates to supporting economic growth in Greater Manchester, the School’s research is grounded in real-world challenges and aimed at generating meaningful change.
A defining feature of this approach is the way research is organised. MMUBS hosts 10 Knowledge Platforms spread across its five departments, bringing together academic expertise around shared themes and challenges. In combination, these platforms act as engines of collaboration, breaking down disciplinary silos and encouraging new ways of thinking about complex problems. Importantly, they are outward-facing, connecting researchers with policymakers, practitioners, communities and industry partners, enabling them to engage directly with the environments and systems they seek to improve.
Research across the platforms seeks to explore how behaviour contributes to knowledge and action around some of the most urgent issues of our time. These include decent work and fair employment, sport and well-being, place based regeneration, net zero and wider environmental sustainability transitions, and digital transformations. By focusing on these areas, MMUBS is contributing insights that can inform more effective interventions, policies and organisational practices to tackle pressing societal challenges. It is research that not only diagnoses problems but helps identify viable pathways forward. It is relevant both on the national and international stage, responding to priorities of UK Research and Innovation and Horizon Europe.
It is a significant strength of MMUBS research that its alignment to national and international priorities does not come at the expense of a regional focus. On the contrary, MMUBS has a strong commitment to its place within Greater Manchester, and its research plays an important role in supporting the region’s strategic ambitions. At the local level, research and innovation activities contribute directly to the development of good jobs and a thriving and productive economy. Take, for example, research conducted by the Decent Work and Productivity (DWP) Knowledge Platform. Researchers in DWP focus on labour markets, employment practices and organisational behaviour, investigating how to improve job quality, support workforce development and promote inclusive growth. These insights are not confined to academic publications but are shared with local authorities, employers and regional bodies, helping to shape practical interventions and policy decisions. In a region like Greater Manchester, which is navigating economic transformation alongside social and environmental challenges, this kind of research is invaluable. It helps ensure that growth is not only robust but also fair and sustainable.
What ties all this together is a clear commitment to translating research into action. Impact at MMUBS is not something that happens by chance. It is built into the design of projects from the outset, with an emphasis on collaboration, co-creation and engagement. This means working closely with stakeholders to identify relevant questions, co-developing research that responds to real needs, and communicating findings in ways that are accessible and useful. Whether through policy briefings, workshops, partnerships or public engagement, the aim is always to ensure that research has relevance beyond academia. As the challenges facing society continue to evolve, this catalytic model of research becomes ever more important. Climate change, technological disruption, public health pressures and economic inequality are not issues that can be solved in isolation. They require joined-up thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and a willingness to engage beyond traditional boundaries. MMUBS is well-equipped to meet this challenge. With its 10 Knowledge Platforms, strong alignment to national and international priorities, and deep commitment to local impact, it offers a powerful example of how business school research can drive positive change. Ultimately, it shows that when research is designed with purpose and delivered in partnership, it can help transform lives, businesses, and communities.
Thank you to Manchester Metropolitan University for their sponsorship of GBSN Beyond 2026! This post was produced as part of the Leadership Circle sponsorship package. Paul Dewick is the Director of Research & Innovation, Faculty of Business and Law, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Katherine Roycroft is the Impact and Engagement Manager, Faculty of Business and Law, Manchester Metropolitan University.