Winners of CBS' impact award drive digitalisation towards positive societal change

CBS’ researchers must be the driving force of positive societal change. This goal is now further supported by a new initiative – the DSEB Societal Impact Award.

21/01/2025

Every year, CBS collaborates with the Danish Society for Education and Business (DSEB) to present a series of awards recognising the contributions of researchers, students and administrative employees. This year, for the first time, a new award was introduced to recognise researchers whose work has made a tangible and positive impact on society. 

“Receiving the DSEB Societal Impact Award 2024 means a lot to me, as it recognises my efforts to communicate research and advise ministries in support of young people's digital learning,” says Sine Zambach, Assistant Professor at the Department of Digitalization at CBS and one of the award’s first recipients.

Sine Zambach shares the award with Professor MSO Rony Medaglia, also from the Department of Digitalization, who was recognised for his research into the digitalisation of the public sector. His work has significantly influenced EU legislation.

Students must use AI for learning

“Not only have this year’s winners enhanced our understanding of the impact of digitalisation but have also created solutions that improve our society. Their research helps ensure that we not only follow the digital development but actively steer it towards positive and meaningful change,” said the award committee in its motivation.

Sine Zambach’s research focuses on enhancing teaching and learning for students at all levels, and she has collaborated with universities such as DTU, UCPH and ITU to promote the use of technology in education. Recently, she published ‘AI i gymnasiet (AI in Upper Secondary Schools)’, a practical guide that introduces and explores the use of artificial intelligence in Danish upper secondary education. The book demonstrates how AI can be applied across subjects like Danish, mathematics, philosophy, English and art.

“I hope my book helps shift the focus from cheating to the opportunities AI offers as a learning tool. Many young people juggle school and extracurricular activities, and AI and tools like ChatGPT can become valuable when used correctly. However, it is essential that students learn to use the technology responsibly. Otherwise, we risk creating a social divide where some only exploit AI for dishonest purposes, while others use its potential for learning,” Zambach explains.

Research became EU legislation

Rony Medaglia’s research focuses on the digitalization of the public sector, including public services and citizen engagement. He examines how technologies, such as AI, can transform government work and strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors.

This has resulted in reports that have influenced EU legislation. Rony has led workshops with civil servants from 23 EU countries and has been involved in developing a European master programme in AI for public administration. Additionally, he has contributed to a handbook published by the European Commission that provides practical recommendations for the effective and ethical implementation of AI by public authorities.

Much of Rony’s work involves translating academic knowledge into concrete political initiatives for public administrators, which, according to Rony Medaglia, requires understanding and adapting to new contexts.

“Just like translating a text from one language to another, the best results come from immersing yourself as much as possible in the ‘new language’,” he explains and continues:  

“I have actively sought opportunities to engage with politicians, civil servants and practitioners outside academia. Many of these opportunities have arisen while gathering data for research projects over the years. Working on science for policy projects for public institutions such as the European Commission and the United Nations has also provided me with unique opportunities to do this.”

Digitalisation research has wide-reaching impact

Both award winners are from the Department of Digitalization at CBS and show the wide scope of digitalisation research. Sine Zambach’s work focuses on the education sector and young people, while Rony Medaglia works with policymakers and public institutions.

“The award reflects the enormous range of our research at the Department of Digitalization and highlights how digitalisation can create value across society and make a tangible difference for individuals and empower decision-makers to navigate the digital future,” says Helle Zinner Henriksen, Head of the Department of Digitalization.

In recent years, CBS has placed great emphasis on ensuring that their research positively impacts society. According to Sine Zambach and Rony Medaglia, there are many paths to achieving this goal.

“It is important to write opinion pieces for relevant media and give public lectures. Writing for platforms like Version2 and Videnskab.dk has opened doors to new collaborations and ideas for me.

Additionally, learning from more experienced colleagues has been invaluable. Fellow researchers have supported me by offering new perspectives and inspiration for further research and societal engagement,” says Sine Zambach. 

According to Rony Medaglia, there is no universal formula for creating societal impact. However, he shares insights from his own experience. 

“In addition to adopting an engaged research practice, I would recommend moving outside your comfort zone as a researcher. For me, this has meant attending non-academic events such as the Digital Tech Summit and outreach initiatives like the Danish Science Festival. It also involves building a network of practitioners over time, maintaining connections long after interviewing them for my research, and reaching out to journalists to generate public interest in my work,” says Rony Medaglia and concludes:

“A lot of the research being carried out at CBS is already of great academic potential. I believe CBS is doing the right thing in encouraging research efforts that also generate societal impact.”

The awards were presented at CBS’ New Year’s reception on 16 January 2025. 

Sidst opdateret: Sekretariat for Ledelse og Kommunikation // 21/01/2025