Navigating Academia and Community: A Week in the Life of HES

It’s been a whirlwind of a week for all of us at the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society (HES). From thought-provoking academic panels to community showcases, we’ve been busy showcasing our mission and impact.

Our Voice in Academia: The Panel Discussion
The journey of commercialising academic ideas is a complex and challenging path that requires both rigour and creativity. At the heart of HES’s strategy is the commitment to communicate our vision and values to a breadth of stakeholders. This week has been a crucial part of that ongoing journey, offering platforms to validate and communicate the sustainability and impact of our entrepreneurial initiatives.

With that context, last Wednesday, I had the privilege of being part of a panel discussion chaired by Professor Jonathan Bradbury of Swansea University. The event was coordinated by the Learned Society of Wales’ Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network. My contribution shed light on the triple-bottom-line business model that HES champions, emphasising the importance of balancing profit with planetary and social responsibilities. In doing so, I was also able to highlight the complexities and subtleties involved in turning academic ideas into commercial realities and shed light on our own journey at HES. [https://www.learnedsociety.wales/lsw-events/ecr-event-creating-impact-what-you-need-to-know/]

The panel was far more than just an individual endeavour; it was a rich tapestry of varied perspectives that provided a holistic view of the subject matter. Dr Shubha Sreenivas of Wrexham Glyndŵr University offered invaluable advice on ‘Forging Collaborations for Research with Impact,’ emphasising the need for partnerships that go beyond academia. Aidan Taylor from Cardiff Metropolitan University shared insights from his project, ‘HUG by LAUGH’ as an exemplar of how academic research can transform into life-enhancing products. Professor Louisa Huxtable-Thomas of Swansea University navigated us through the complexities of collaborating with external partners and encouraged us to consider crucial questions about our audience and their needs.

Making Societal Impact: The AESIS Conference
The day after the panel discussion, I had the honour of representing HES at the 7th International Societal Impact of Social Science, Humanities, and Arts Conference [AESIS 2023] at Cardiff University. The conference offered a fantastic opportunity to network and forge new partnerships. I connected with academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, all of whom showed keen interest in HES’s mission.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Learned Society of Wales’ ECR Network, which has been instrumental in fostering collaborations across various disciplines and amplifying the societal impact of my research. Through seminars, workshops, and meaningful dialogues, I’ve been encouraged to think creatively about how my research can be actioned into impactful entrepreneurship.

Showcasing Community Achievements: ‘Welsh Harmonious Treasures’
As the week concluded, David and I were thrilled to have our ‘Welsh Harmonious Treasures’ electronic booklet showcased by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David as part of their Sustainability Week 2023.

---

In a week replete with academic dialogues, meaningful networking, and community recognitions, HES has made significant strides in both validating and amplifying its mission. From insightful panel discussions to international conferences, the platforms have been varied, but the message has been consistent: sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurship is both viable and necessary. With invaluable support from the Learned Society of Wales’ Early Career Researchers Network and recognition from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the journey ahead looks promising.

© Harmonious-Entrepreneurship.org / Harmonious Entrepreneurship Ltd. (2020-2023).