Inaugural 'Data to Impact Challenge' at Surrey Business School concludes with pioneering solutions
The 2024-25 Data to Impact Challenge at Surrey Business School (SBS) concluded with five finalist teams leveraging data-driven insights to tackle urgent global issues in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From addressing global water challenges to devising a novel country classification system that drives more targeted interventions for equitable access to education, the finalists showcased how creativity, analytical thinking, and social responsibility can work in tandem to forge meaningful progress.
Their solutions touched upon SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), among others.
Dean of Surrey Business School, Professor Iis Tussyadiah, highlighted the School’s pledge to cultivate responsible leaders:
“At Surrey Business School, we are committed to cultivating responsible leaders who can harness data and innovation for the greater good. By aligning our challenge with the Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to the Principles of Responsible Management Education, we empower our students to drive meaningful change both locally and globally.”
Surrey Business School’s PRME Lead, Dr Ann Parchment, also underscored the role of responsible management education in shaping the Challenge’s direction:
“By integrating the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) into initiatives like the Data to Impact Challenge, we empower our students to embrace social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that their innovative solutions deliver far-reaching benefits.”
This inaugural challenge further highlights the work of Surrey Business School’s research centres, including the Centre for Social Innovation Management and the Centre for Sustainability and Wellbeing in the Visitor Economy, which strengthen the School’s dedication to advancing impactful, sustainable solutions. Throughout the Challenge, participants gained invaluable insights and honed their ability to propose data-centric responses for a more equitable future.
Surrey Business School congratulates all the winning teams for their outstanding contributions, which demonstrate the potential of data-driven innovation in making tangible progress towards sustainable development—underscoring the importance of forward-thinking leaders in shaping a better world. The winners received prizes from funds donated through the SBS Dean’s Priorities Fund, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to further develop their impactful solutions.
This challenge was proudly supported by the Institute for Sustainability and PRME UK & Ireland, reinforcing a collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to responsible management education.
Related sustainable development goals
