Societal Impact at the New Governance Lab

The W. P. Carey New Governance Lab is a multidisciplinary research-meets-practice effort to reinvent for-profit governance. Part of broader industry-wide conversations on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, the New Governance Lab brings together multiple disciplines to lead positive change inside the classroom and boardroom.

Supported by ASU President Michael Crow and Provost Nancy Gonzalez, and led by Rusty Lyon Chair in Strategy Amy Hillman, the lab is a way to consolidate all ESG efforts across the school and a key facet of the school’s strategic plan. W. P. Carey is home to more faculty researching corporate governance than almost any other university.

The goal is to translate the lab’s research findings into practical, nuanced, and accessible ways for organizations to implement better ESG programs. To this end, the lab plans to create and maintain a database of governance research and best practices for private, for-profit firms. Additionally, the lab hopes to involve corporate partners in a Director’s Council of public and private for-profit directors. Council members will guide research and devise ways to gather and disseminate knowledge continuously.

Finally, the lab will educate future business leaders to prioritize ESG and understand its best practices. A new Business in Society class provides a foundational understanding of the critical role firms—and the people who run them—play in creating functional communities. In addition, through partnerships with W. P. Carey’s executive and continuing education offerings, the lab will provide dedicated ESG training to working professionals.