Business for a Better World Dissertation Proposal Competition

Picture of trees with words Business for a Better World.

Endorsed by Responsible Research in Business & Management (RRBM) and consistent with RRBM’s vision, the College of Business at Colorado State University provides funding for dissertation proposals addressing business sustainability. They seek proposals from students across all business disciplines. The authors of the three proposals judged to have the most significant potential for enhancing societal well-being will each receive $6000 and have the opportunity to present their research at the annual Business for a Better World Research Symposium in Fort Collins, Colorado.

To be eligible, proposals must focus on one or more environmental, social, and/or governance outcomes of business. We encourage participation from all business disciplines. Applicable areas of inquiry (stated in broad terms) include but are not limited to the following.

Environmental

• Resources & Conservation

• Climate & Emissions

• Waste & Circularity

Social

• Opportunity & Access

• Economic Security

• Health & Safety

• Technology & Society

  
  

Governance

• Risk & Compliance

• Data & Tech Governance

• Stakeholder Influence

• Leadership & Accountability

• Reporting & Transparency

Eligibility is limited to those who are pursuing a doctorate in a business discipline and whose dissertation defense is expected to take place during the spring or summer of 2026.

Deadline: June 3, 2025

Proposals must be no longer than 20 pages in length.

Click here for complete details and the application form.

Competition Co-Chairs:

Boris Nikolaev (boris.nikolaev@colostate.edu)

Jon Zhang (jonathan.zhang@colostate.edu)