Editorial: The future of social impact in business schools − enabling research environments

Purpose This editorial aims to propose features of research environments in business schools that incentivise, measure and reward the social impact of business research. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual approach is used drawing on scholarly frameworks. Findings The authors propose a conceptual framework for incentivising, measuring and rewarding social impact in business schools organised around strategy, initiatives, resources and culture, alongside risks to avoid. They also identify three themes and five place-based and purpose perspectives on social impact in business schools from the seven articles in the special issue. Practical implications This editorial assists business school deans and researchers in identifying enablers and diagnosing barriers to creating a research environment that supports social impact research. Originality/value This editorial introduces a framework of enablers for incentivising, measuring and rewarding social impact in business school research. The editorial also synthesises the articles in the Deans’ special issue.