Review of the “Impact investing & measurement” conference

Prof. Dr. Dominika Wruk hält eine Keynote zur Wirkungsmessung
On November 5 and 6, 2024, the two-day conference “Impact Investing & Measurement: Bridging Research and Practice” was held in Mannheim. The event was a joint initiative by ENGAGE.EU and TransforMA. The goal of the conference was to strengthen the exchange between academia and practice and to provide insights into the latest developments in the fields of impact investing and impact measurement.
Early-stage researchers from several of the ENGAGE.EU partner universities presented both early-stage ideas and more advanced papers in three scientific sessions during the conference. Topics discussed included the influence of ESG criteria on companies and investments, sustainability reporting, and the connection between financial return and social impact.
The scientific perspective was complemented by a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Dominika Wruk, who introduced an innovative approach to measuring social impact at the innovation field level. Additionally, insights were provided into both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including the role of artificial intelligence and databases in identifying impact potential.
Practical insights were offered from the investor's perspective, including Styx Urban Investments, which discussed the impact measurement process in the investment field as well as current challenges and opportunities, as well as from the startup perspective, with Osapiens presenting technologies aimed at promoting sustainable supply chains.
At the end of the conference, two outstanding contributions were awarded the Best Paper Award (Youpeng Zhang: “Beyond Consensus: ESG Ratings Divergence and Sustainable Investments”) and the Best Research Idea Award (Frederik Kohl: “The Role of Return Concessions in Impact Investing – Evidence from Prospectus Disclosures”).
In addition to exciting talks and discussions, there was ample opportunity for networking and idea development. A dinner event on the first evening provided an ideal opportunity for more in-depth exchanges on the conference topics and for establishing new contacts.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference. We look forward to continuing the dialogue in the field of impact investing and impact measurement!