An Environmental Scan Mapping the Emergence of Social Impact Centers in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Countries

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Research Use in Multifaceted Contexts (Table 6)

Abstract

There has been a rising call across sectors for social impact (SI) initiatives to solve complex societal problems. However, little empirical research exists on the emergence and types of social impact centres. This study maps and evaluates the role of 87 social impact centers in advancing knowledge mobilization (KMb, connecting research to policy and practice) and research use with communities and non-academic audiences across 34 OECD countries. This paper maps the social impact landscape globally summarizing the types, goals, stakeholder compositions, and initiatives/activities with different audiences. USA, UK, Canada, and Australia have the most SI centres. Social impact centers in higher education are a recent phenomenon. Goals predominantly focus on social justice and equity. Community stakeholders remain the least represented.

Authors

• Amanda Cooper, Queen's University - Kingston
  Presenting Author

• Emily Laura Teves, Queen's University - Kingston
  Presenting Author

• Rebecca J. Luce-Kapler, Queen's University
  Non-Presenting Author

• ROBYN READ, Independent Researcher
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michelle J. Searle, Queen's University - Kingston
  Non-Presenting Author

• Joelle Rodway, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  Non-Presenting Author