Navigating the Nexus: A Week of Impact and Collaboration

This week has been a whirlwind, navigating the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and societal impact, filled with enlightening discussions and meaningful partnerships.

A Deep Dive into Commercialising Ideas: The Panel Discussion

On Wednesday, October 18, I was immensely privileged to take part in a diverse panel, chaired by Professor Jonathan Bradbury (FLSW) of Swansea University, thanks to the Learned Society of Wales’ Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network. The theme, ‘Commercialising Ideas in Higher Education’ offered a comprehensive platform to explore the complexities of transforming academic research into market-ready solutions. [https://www.learnedsociety.wales/lsw-events/ecr-event-creating-impact-what-you-need-to-know/]

At the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society (HES), David and I endorse a triple-bottom-line business model that balances profit with planetary and social responsibilities. My panel contribution focused on the systemic approach that HES takes, challenging traditional business paradigms to create a more sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurial landscape. In doing so, my aim was to highlight the complexities and subtleties involved in turning academic ideas into commercial realities.

The panel discussion was incredibly enriching and featured a range of perspectives from esteemed colleagues. Dr Shubha Sreenivas of Wrexham Glyndŵr University provided comprehensive advice on ‘Forging Collaborations for Research with Impact’. Aidan Taylor, Cardiff Metropolitan University, offered a poignant narrative about ‘HUG by LAUGH,’ exemplifying how academic research can materialise into life-enhancing products. Professor Louisa Huxtable-Thomas of Swansea University guided us through the intricacies of collaborating with external partners. She urged us to consider essential questions: Who is the audience for our research? How engaged are we with them? Where do they typically find relevant information? Her insights emphasised the importance of strategic engagement to maximise the impact of our research.

Navigating the Nexus of Societal Impact: The AESIS Conference

On Thursday, the enlightening journey continued as I was invited by the Learned Society of Wales’ (LSW) ECR Network to present, engage, and network, at the 7th International Societal Impact of Social Science, Humanities, and Arts Conference. The event was hosted at Cardiff University’s state-of-the-art Social Science Research Park and served as a focal point for innovation and collaboration. Discussions spanned a range of critical topics, including the societal impact of academic disciplines, considerations of regional to global impact, ‘transdisciplinary’ research, and business engagement. Beyond the keynotes, panels, and roundtables, I had the rewarding opportunity to elaborate on my collaboration with the LSW’s ECR Network, enriching on multiple fronts: opening doors for cross-disciplinary dialogues and deep discussions, particularly concerning the role of the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society in nurturing impactful and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Celebrating Community Achievements: Welsh Harmonious Treasures

As the week drew to a close, I felt immense pride when the University of Wales Trinity Saint David showcased our ‘Welsh Harmonious Treasures’ electronic booklet as part of their Sustainability Week 2023.

This booklet highlights some of the fantastic work that is being undertaken within our communities and has been produced to help celebrate UWTSD’s Sustainability Week 2023. It features HES’s selection of 10 Welsh Harmonious Treasures showcased during the ‘Food Pirates’ Adventures at Lampeter Food Fest 2023, a joyful collaboration with Associate Professor Luci Attala and Professor Louise Steel of UWTSD’s UNESCO BRIDGES Hub. It also demonstrates that through true partnership working that much towards the sustainability agenda can be achieved.. This publication serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit that can significantly advance the sustainability agenda.

This whirlwind week has been a complex journey through the intertwined realms of academia, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. From panel discussions to conferences and community showcases, each moment has been both rewarding and inspiring. I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities and eager to see where this multifaceted journey will lead us next.

Thanks

I would be remiss if I didn’t extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Learned Society of Wales’ Early Career Researchers (ECR) Network, specifically Cathy Stroemer and Dr
Barbara Ibinarriaga Soltero. They have truly delivered on their brief in ways that have profoundly impacted my professional journey.

1. Engaging with Creative and Inspiring Ideas: My involvement with the ECR Network has exposed me to a plethora of innovative ideas at the forefront of research and practice, which has been invigorating and deeply inspiring.
2. Gaining Experiences and Skills: The experiences I’ve gained have been invaluable in enhancing my skill set and professional profile. The workshops, seminars, and discussions have been a rich source of learning and personal development.
3. Developing Networks and Collaboration: The LSW ECR Network has provided fertile ground for building strong, collaborative relationships across diverse academic disciplines and sectors. The connections I’ve made have been enriching both professionally and personally, as a researcher and co-founder of HES.
4. Creating Impact from Research: Perhaps most crucially, my association with the LSW ECR Network has encouraged me to think creatively about the broader societal impact of my research. It’s opened up new avenues for meaningful dialogue, actionable initiatives, and impactful entrepreneurship.

Diolch

Dr Felicity Healey-Benson