Creating an ecosystem for research with social impact: lessons from 22 US Jesuit business schools

Purpose Business schools face increasing pressure to demonstrate the relevance and societal impact of their research in response to critiques of academic insularity and growing expectations from accreditation bodies and external stakeholders. This paper aims to examine how business schools can intentionally foster research with societal impact by developing a supportive institutional ecosystem to effectively support mission-driven research that addresses societal challenges The authors focus on the distinctive context of U.S.-based Jesuit business schools to examine how institutional strategies can foster research aligned with social good. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on qualitative insights from interviews and group discussions with deans from 22 Jesuit business schools in the USA, the authors explore leadership practices, cultural mechanisms and institutional structures that enable mission-driven scholarship. The analysis enabled us to identify common strategies and institutional practices that support socially impactful research cultures, leading to the development of a coherent ecosystem framework that begins with a clearly articulated mission and strategy, is reinforced through dean-led cultural leadership, and is sustained by aligned policies, incentives and evaluation systems. Findings The findings highlight the central role of deans in shaping culture, broadening definitions of research impact and embedding societal impact across teaching, research and service activity. We emphasize the importance of creating an institutional ecosystem that supports mission-aligned scholarship. This includes aligning faculty recruitment, evaluation and incentives with the goals of social relevance. Leadership commitment, cultural reinforcement and integration of mission into strategic planning are critical. Examples illustrate how Jesuit institutions embed societal impact into research by emphasizing both academic rigor and real-world contribution. The authors advocate for an expanded model of scholarship that values public engagement and policy relevance alongside traditional metrics. Originality/value While grounded in the Jesuit higher education context, the framework offers transferable insights for business schools seeking to legitimize, support and reward research that addresses pressing societal challenges. The paper contributes a practical, leadership-informed model for advancing research with societal impact and provides actionable guidance for academic institutions. While Jesuit business schools offer a unique perspective due to their explicit mission to promote social justice through education and research, this study contributes original insights into how such values can be operationalized within academic systems, both faith-based and secular, with practical guidance on how to schools can broaden their broaden their research impact and align scholarly work with pressing societal needs.