Research
Driving Impact: Research that matters in Governance, Business, and Law
Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, our research profile is broad and vibrant, encompassing the diverse expertise of over 100 active staff members across our three schools and dedicated research centres. This collective effort positions the Faculty as a crucial driver of the University of Canberra's significant growth in research performance and national rankings.
Our research agenda is strategically aligned to our faculty mission of “working with government and for society” with five research priorities:
- Effective government - improving citizen, employee and customer wellbeing.
- Social service design - improving socially beneficial services.
- Democratic innovation and renewal - improving democracy.
- Responsible technology behaviours - improving business and society.
- Sustainable environments and communities - improving inclusive and adaptive governance.
A unifying theme across our research, driven by these priorities, is a strong focus on governance in its myriad forms. Whether examining public participation and engagement, the integrity of business and accounting practices, the efficacy of legal frameworks, or the dynamics of political institutions and policy processes, our work seeks to understand and improve how individuals and organisations are governed. Key areas of investigation include:
- Developing effective regulatory and standards frameworks across diverse fields, from accounting and public communication (media and online) to cutting-edge environmental and business frameworks. Our research examines the mechanisms underpinning the development of responsible and innovative systems – be it the legal context or democratic processes – and their practical operation at scales ranging from global systems to individual business enterprises.
- Analysing governance and regulatory responses to pressing environmental challenges, including water management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable forestry practices.
- Evaluating how technology and generative AI influences citizen, employee and customer behaviours.
- Developing frameworks for more effective services that benefit customers experiencing vulnerability.
- Addressing critical social issues such as gender equality and the wellbeing of Indigenous communities.
- Exploring the transformative role of information systems in governance and business.
- Investigating the complexities of agricultural systems and their broader economic impacts.
- Contributing to the understanding of health governance and policy.
- Tackling the multifaceted crisis of democracy, including the rise of populism, declining trust in government, challenges to democratic processes, and the impact of these trends on public deliberation and opinion formation.
Our established research strengths enable us to not only anticipate emerging issues but also to respond swiftly and effectively to unfolding events. Our significant involvement in the University's research response to the decline in democratic resilience and our preparedness to address the challenges posed by generative AI for business and society underscore our commitment to providing timely and relevant expertise.
Ultimately, our research is geared towards delivering tangible benefits for Canberra, the ACT, and the nation, contributing to:
- Better public policies.
- Engaged and informed citizens.
- A fair and inclusive society.
- A thriving and equitable society.
- A stronger democracy.
- A sustainable environment.
Download our Research Impact Showcase Booklet which features 20 cases of the research impact of our academics .
By fostering a culture of curiosity and practical application, the Faculty of Business, Government and Law at the University of Canberra is a vital hub for research that informs policy, enhances organisational practices, and ultimately contributes to a more just, sustainable, and well-governed society. Our work directly supports the University's mission of working together to empower, connect and share knowledge with our people, culture and places.
Contact Us
For any future and current research student enquiries, please contact BGLHDR@canberra.edu.au.