Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development (CEISD)

This cluster would cover a range of topics related to entrepreneurship, from individual skills and management strategies to the broader social and economic impacts. Research areas would include entrepreneurial psychology, design thinking processes, incentive theory, knowledge management, and the determinants of creativity and strategic thinking. It would explore factors shaping the growth trajectory of entrepreneurs, including personal attitudes and external influences such as community, spouses, business partners, accountants or bankers. The cluster would also address the social impact of entrepreneurship and innovation and would examine how these are affected by the economic environment, property rights, policy frameworks, and institutional contexts.

This cluster would explore the integration of circular economy practices across various sectors, with a focus on promoting responsible consumption and production to enhance sustainability and reduce waste. While key research areas would include food systems, fashion and tourism, the cluster's scope is not limited to these industries and extends to other sectors where circular economy principles can be applied. In food systems, research would include the link between food policy, safety, security and responsible consumption/production. The cluster would also investigate policies that promote the reduction of food waste, food recovery programs and incentives for waste reduction, as well as the impact of such policies on food security. Innovations in agritech, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming, would also be studied for their potential to enhance agricultural practices, increase productivity, and contribute to sustainable food production. In the fashion and tourism industries, the cluster would examine sustainable practices and circular economy approaches. Research would focus on responsible consumption, recycling, waste management, and the development of new technologies and materials designed for reuse.

Tackling the pressing issue of environmental sustainability, this theme would emphasize climate risk assessment and management. Climate risk assessments and management are essential tools to understand and mitigate the impact of climate change on businesses, the economy and society. Research on climate risk analytics and climate risk mitigating strategies include investing in renewable energy, reducing green-house gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Through qualitative and quantitative research, as well as experimental methodologies, the theme focuses on the role of art, design and creative technology in supporting equality, social inclusion, self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. The theme emphasizes social entrepreneurs who create innovative solutions to societal challenges, with the goal of creating social impact and positive change.

This cluster would examine the role of technology in sustainable development and human capital by focusing on innovations that drive economic growth, education, health, and talent acquisition. Research would cover fintech, arttech, healthtech and ed tech, and explore advancements such as AI, blockchain, virtual reality and 3D printing. In human capital research, the cluster would investigate demographic factors, education access, women's financial inclusion, health innovation, labor laws and worker quality of life. The integration of technology in various sectors is a key area of research given its ability to enhance sustainable practices, improve resource management and promote innovation.