Lancaster University was one of nine University’s shortlisted to exhibit at the Charted Association of Business Schools (CABS) Research Exhibition, at Edinburgh University Business School. The Exhibition ran alongside the annual CABS conference, having a key theme of ‘Solutions for a prosperous and fair society', demonstrating how business and management research delivers a positive impact to business, society and the economy.

Professor Juliana Sutanto and Professor Edward Truch, Directors of the Connected Communities Research Lab, showcased their Smart Parks concept, which was inspired by the exponential growth in smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and Internet of Things, and the opportunities they create for societal innovation in national and urban parks.

The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to illustrate the importance of the Smart Parks Projects, Professor Juliana Sutanto said ‘It was valuable for us to meet representatives of research funding agencies and obtain advice on their forthcoming programmes and calls. A lot is changing in the way Government plans to fund future research.’

The Smart Parks concept has demonstrated that there is a growing body of evidence that links people’s use of open green spaces to their physical and mental well being, social cohesion, community effectiveness, and favourable economic and environmental outcomes.

Professor Edward Truch also commented that ‘Our Smart Parks projects received a great deal of interest from researchers in different and related disciplines. Many commented positively on the direct impact of our research and the innovative approaches to tackling many of today's societal challenges.