About the Business management subject area

Page reviewed:  04/05/2026

The Business Management Group develops knowledge and increases awareness of economically, socially and ecologically sustainable operations and systems. We engage with entrepreneurship, leadership and governance across agriculture, forestry and horticulture as well as urban and rural landscapes.

Business Management at IMS

Societal challenges are complex. They include large-scale issues like climate change, poverty, health inequalities, migration, and access to education and healthcare. These problems require broad collaboration and innovative solutions across technology, policy and social change to improve quality of life and sustainability.

Our key areas include environmental resilience, demographic shifts, economic inequality, digital divides, and securing peace and well-being for all citizens. 

”We are a diverse team of researchers, teachers and advisors working closely and directly with companies and organisations in a range of sectors” Kes McCormick

Key Areas of Societal Challenges

  • Health and Wellbeing: Aging populations, disease, access to quality care, mental health.
  • Environment and Climate: Climate change, resource scarcity, pollution, biodiversity loss, sustainable energy.
  • Economy and Inequality: Income gaps, poverty, housing, unemployment, digital access.
  • Social Justice and Governance: Racial/gender discrimination, migration, forced displacement, criminal justice reform, democracy.
  • Technology and Innovation: Ethical use of AI, data privacy, bridging digital divides, ensuring innovation serves society.
  • Food and Resources: Food security, sustainable agriculture, water management. 
     

Characteristics of Societal Challenges

Societal challenges are often complicated because they have many different causes and are closely connected to each other. They appear on several levels at the same time — locally, nationally, and globally — which means that solutions also need to work across all levels. They take time to address and require ongoing cooperation rather than quick fixes.

“We are a creative environment that develops knowledge and increases awareness of innovative solutions and change processes” Sara Spendrup

Approaches to Solutions

Addressing societal challenges requires collaboration among many different actors, including governments, businesses, non-profit organisations, and local communities. It also involves innovation, such as creating new technologies, policies, and social approaches. Systemic thinking is key —looking at the root causes and the larger structures behind the problems rather than just treating the symptoms. A mission-oriented approach is needed where efforts are directed toward clear and shared societal goals.

A center and collaboration platform that connects SLU and the business community. We work to connect qualified research, education and collaboration with the green industries in the subject of business management. One of our largest projects is the Knowledge Hub in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Swedish Centre for Agricultural Business Management

We create sustainable system change through collaboration and joint knowledge development.