As universities worldwide face growing expectations to demonstrate their contribution beyond academic publications, inter-school rankings and graduate employment outcomes, SMU has joined an international conversation on how they can better translate knowledge into public benefit.
SMU is the only University selected to join the inaugural Innovation Sandbox of the Future Universities Alliance.
The invitation places SMU among 49 universities from 23 countries exploring how higher education can create greater value for society. More importantly, this recognises its efforts to make societal impact a strategic priority across research, education and partnerships through its Impact Agenda.
Recognition for an institutional commitment
Incubated by Duke University, the Innovation Sandbox brings together universities across five continents that are rethinking how higher education is organised, delivered and evaluated.
SMU joins under “Pathway 2: New Initiatives in Existing Institutions”, alongside other established universities in pursuing institution-wide transformation. Its participation reflects the progress made through the Office of Impact (OIM) in building a more intentional and measurable approach to societal impact.
Rather than focusing on individual projects, SMU is strengthening institution-wide capabilities that connect academic work with real-world outcomes through policy-relevant research, future-focused education and strategic partnerships.
Journeying with global peers
The Innovation Sandbox is designed as a practical peer-learning environment where universities bring active challenges rather than finished solutions. Through monthly facilitated sessions, participants exchange ideas, test approaches and learn from one another's experiences.
For SMU, the programme will help strengthen a shared impact framework across the University, develop a portfolio of impact case studies, and build stronger evidence of how its research, education and partnerships contribute to Singapore and the wider region.
Professor Scott Fritzen, Vice President, Office of Impact, and SMU's Executive Sponsor for the Innovation Sandbox, said: "The Impact Agenda asks us to work differently — in closer partnership with the people and organisations we seek to engage, and with clearer evidence of what changes as a result.
“The Innovation Sandbox gives us a space for honest, comparative exchange with institutions facing similar challenges in very different contexts. At this stage of the initiative, that is exactly what we need."
Dr Chew Han Ei, Associate Director, Impact, and Project Lead for SMU's participation in the Innovation Sandbox, shared that it gives SMU a structured way to learn from peers around the world.
“For SMU, the aim is to build the systems, evidence, and strategic partnerships that allow us to demonstrate the contributions we make to society, and show how we can do more of it,” he affirmed.
SMU's participation is led by OIM, with Professor Fritzen serving as Executive Sponsor. The project team also comprises Dr Chew Han Ei, Associate Director and Project Lead; Preeti Gaonkar, Associate Director, Impact; and Asha Choolani, Assistant Director, Impact.
The results of this first year will be presented at the Global Summit at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, from 3 to 5 October 2026.
Why it matters
Universities increasingly create impact through collaboration with government, industry, community organisations and alumni. By strengthening the systems that connect academic expertise with societal needs, SMU aims to enhance the value its research, education and partnerships create for Singapore and beyond.
The Innovation Sandbox provides an international platform to learn from leading institutions while contributing SMU's own experiences to a global conversation on the future of higher education.
See also: SMU’s Impact Agenda Accelerates on a Global Stage | SMU Newsroom
