AACSB International and the Academy of Management (AOM) have announced the release of the Global Research Impact Framework: Exposure Draft during a recent event in Toronto. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving eight prominent organizations within the business academic and scholarly community, aiming to broaden the influence and relevance of research conducted at business schools globally.
The Global Research Impact Task Force, which includes representatives from various academic associations such as the American Accounting Association and the European Accounting Association, is pioneering this unprecedented collaboration across disciplines, regions, and academic societies. Their goal is to redefine the future impact of research within business education.
For years, the established mechanisms for recognizing research impact have focused primarily on academic excellence. However, as societal demands evolve, the research ecosystem is at a critical juncture. The coalition acknowledges that addressing these emerging needs will necessitate bold and coordinated efforts to initiate a systemic transformation, ensuring that research continues to meaningfully influence business, policy, and society.
Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “Advancing research impact isn”t something any one group can do on its own. It takes all of us—the academic community, practitioners, and policymakers—working together toward a shared vision.” She described the framework as a catalyst for change, focusing on evolving how impact is assessed and recognized in business academia while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Peter Bamberger, AOM Past President, added, “Research must resonate beyond our own scholarly circles. This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing research that informs practice, shapes policy, and creates tangible value for society.”
The exposure draft advocates for business schools to adopt a multidimensional assessment strategy, merging qualitative and quantitative indicators to evaluate impact across various domains, including academic, business, policy, societal, and educational contexts. This framework will also complement AACSB”s Standards Refresh project to ensure alignment with the evolving expectations of research impact.
Public feedback on the exposure draft is being solicited from October 20, 2025, until January 23, 2026. AACSB and its collaborators encourage faculty, leaders in educational institutions, practitioners, and policymakers to review the framework and provide their insights via a linked survey. The gathered input will be instrumental in refining the framework, with final findings to be revealed at AACSB”s International Conference and Annual Meeting scheduled for April 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
For more information and to engage with the Global Research Impact Framework: Exposure Draft, visit aacsb.edu.
AACSB International, established in 1916, is the largest business education association globally, representing over 2,000 institutional members and more than 1,000 accredited members. It connects business schools, businesses, and lifelong learners to cultivate the next generation of leaders. With a presence in over 100 countries, AACSB is committed to enhancing the quality and impact of business schools worldwide.
The Academy of Management, founded in 1936, is the leading professional association for management and organization scholars, with a global membership of nearly 22,000 spanning over 125 countries.
