Strategy for impact and sustainability

Impact

Why is it important?

At KI Innovations, we support projects that aim to improve people’s health. Creating societal benefit from research-based knowledge is part of the university’s basic mission. When it is time to take the step to implement a product/service in a real environment, it is important to have a clear plan for what benefit it creates for its users. It is not always certain that results in the lab or during clinical studies produce the same effects in ‘real life’. Therefore, it is important that implementation is combined with a plan for how the desired benefit can be measured and followed up and how the innovation can be continuously developed and improved.

Being able to demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative benefit is not only important to customers and users, but has also become an increasingly common requirement from investors and financiers.

Sustainability

Why is it important?

Even if your innovation has a good purpose, there may be a risk of creating a negative social and/or environmental impact in the operational activities, i.e. in the development, manufacture, distribution, operation and use of the product/service.

What materials are used? Are they harmful to the environment? How are workers treated in manufacturing and the own staff? Are you aware of your subcontractors’ social and environmental policies? Is the communication you use inclusive? How do you avoid corruption/cheating in procurement and collaborations?

All these and much more are questions that need to be answered. According to the EU’s new directive on sustainability reporting, large companies (over 250 employees) must now by law compile annual reports on their social and environmental impact. This also includes control of subcontractors, which affects those who want cooperation with larger companies. Accurate reporting on sustainability is also required in procurement and contracts with public businesses.

How can we help?

At KI Innovations, we can help you set up a plan for impact in the short, medium and long term. We also provide support in setting up indicators to measure benefit. In group and/or individual workshops, we help you to map any sustainability risks, and to set up a plan for how your company can create as much positive impact as possible, and minimize the negative.