University of Exeter Business School receives ‘innovation that inspires’ accolade
A sustainability-focused education programme led by the University of Exeter Business School has featured on an exclusive list of “Innovations that Inspire”.
The Sustainable Solutions Leadership Programme (SSLP), developed in collaboration with Capgemini Invent, part of Capgemini, was recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB), one of the leading accreditation bodies for business schools, for embedding environmental sustainability into professional practice and providing a “blueprint for translating science to industry”.
The bespoke programme was recognised as part of a select group of initiatives driving the future of business education at the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting in Vienna.
Professor Steve Wood, Dean of the University of Exeter Business School, said: “We’re delighted that the Sustainable Solutions Leadership Programme has received this honour.
“The innovative programme has dramatically enhanced our capability for using high-impact research to address the developing needs of client-facing industry practitioners and corporate leaders, setting a benchmark for successful business development, engagement and delivery.”
An innovative approach
The University of Exeter Business School designed the programme in collaboration with Capgemini Invent, aligning learning outcomes and the delivery structure to the firm’s precise requirements in the UK, with significant adjustments made during the course to ensure maximum impact on participants.
The programme was delivered over two years and six cohorts to around 550 employees, ranging from recent graduates to senior leaders.
The interactive masterclasses, delivered by a group of internationally renowned academics representing all of the University of Exeter’s faculties, focused on topics such as climate, biodiversity, natural capital science, systems thinking, circular economy and positive tipping points.
The blended format was tailored and refined to address the distinct specialisms in each cohort, making the training as comprehensive and relevant as possible.
Lasting impact
The programme has helped Capgemini Invent expand its internal Sustainability Champions Network in the UK and Europe, complementing Capgemini’s wider programmes and sustainability leadership.
The course built a solid foundation for the employees involved to improve their application of sustainability solutions in a client setting, and the academic experts gave a strong context for developing ideas of how to bring the science to clients.
The engagement levels of the workshops and masterclasses helped strengthen internal networks and social capital for the groups within Capgemini Invent, essential where teamwork is critical to developing effective and complex client solutions.
