As the fundamentals of the business ecosystem have been upended in the COVID-19 era, so has our relationship to research and statistical data. The same technologies that have brought businesses and consumers closer together have complicated and altered the idea of a balanced and objective truth. As we continue to rely upon data and statistical research to point us in the right direction during an increasingly unstable time, we must examine the impact and consequences of this data and make sure it is being used for humane and sustainable solutions.
Building a Knowledge Ecosystem
The ubiquity of social media and global connectivity has changed how we relate to one another. Education has become less about "discovering" new information and more about learning how to sift between good and wrong information. We believe that researching with impact is the best way to create a knowledge ecosystem that supports the emerging business ecosystem.What do we mean by a knowledge ecosystem?
* Local Agency: We recognize the importance of local businesses and consumers having the agency to diagnose and solve issues facing their communities, rejecting the idea of a one-size-fits-all solution.
* Community Building: We are building a community of empathetic individuals who recognize shared challenges and prioritize ideals like equity and justice in the re-making of our business world.
The Necessity of Impactful Research
We have seen the consequences of research for research’s sake, which has often contributed to the dismissal of marginalized individuals or the refusal to recognize the effects of unsustainable investment.For example, women are often underrepresented in leadership not due to a lack of capability, but because of structural issues and oppression. The solution cannot merely be "more research." It must be research committed to uncovering the consequences of past behaviors and providing a framework for realistic and just solutions.