Sustainable beekeeping, community driven-development, and tri-sector solutions with impact

Abstract

Purpose

As the Academy for Business in Society considers the theme “Business in Society: Measuring Impact and Creating Change,” one fundamental question emerges and that is how to collaborate with universities to create positive impact and sustainable business models. The purpose of this paper is to address that question and offer one apt illustration for how to collaborate effectively across sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a case study of the Honey Bee Initiative (HBI) from George Mason University’s School of Business.

Findings

In this case study, the authors discuss the Initiative’s tri-sector domestic and global partnerships, community-driven development approach and innovative solutions as an exemplar of business as a force for good.

Originality/value

This paper provides unique insight into how universities can partner with non-profits, business and policy leaders to effect positive change. As such, the HBI program contributes to the growing body of research on the benefits of tri-sector partnership models as a means of addressing global goals and provides a valuable case study to understand better the necessity of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Moreover, the HBI’s tri-sector partnership model offers important insights into what makes these partnerships successful and serves as a replicable model that can be instituted in other regions around the globe.

Citation

Gring-Pemble, L. and Perilla, G. (2021), "Sustainable beekeeping, community driven-development, and tri-sector solutions with impact", Corporate Governance, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 359-372. https://doi.org/10.1108/CG-01-2020-0019