Commentary: the Australian Business Deans Council’s perspective on the future of societal impact

Purpose In light of the need for business schools to generate and demonstrate their societal impact, the purpose of this commentary is to introduce a societal impact framework for business research, which is conceptualised in consideration of current challenges of existing frameworks and designed alongside Australian business schools. This commentary also reflects on the articles within this special issue and identifies how they can assist business schools in supporting the generation of societal impact from their research. Design/methodology/approach The authors’ approach reflects that of the Australian Business Deans Council’s (ABDC) Societal Impact of Business School Research White Paper. Here they consider academic literature, existing impact frameworks and consultation with business schools and researchers in Australia and New Zealand. Findings They provide an overview of the Australian business school landscape for societal impact, showcase the ABDC Societal Impact Framework, and provide recommendations for each of the articles in the Dean’s special issue by demonstrating their usefulness for business school leaders. Practical implications They reflect on the ABDC Societal Impact Framework and provide guidance on how business school leaders can leverage the articles within this special issue as resources for supporting, capturing and communicating the societal impact of their business schools. Originality/value They present the ABDC Societal Impact Framework for Business Research, which is a conceptual framework based on theoretical foundations that allows business schools to capture and communicate the societal impact of their research.