29 How do we make sure research and projects in the Global South are successful? A prevalent challenge in social impact initiatives within higher education is the frequent failure of ideas to be actualized beyond the scope of Master's or Doctoral work. This often occurs because academic work emphasizes the scientific aspects of projects while under developing the economic and implementation dimensions essential for success outside the educational context. Ensuring the success of research and projects in the Global South necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses governmental, commercial, and social viability. One method to better ensure that these varied goals are met in academic social impact projects is to frame research projects as if they were startup businesses, thus increasing their likelihood of adoption. Successful business ventures require a holistic approach; not only must the idea be sound, but there must also be an understanding of the economic market, the product's viability, and the feasibility from a political perspective. In terms of governmental viability, this entails understanding policy obstacles and the perspectives of policymakers in various regions, aiming to make a significant impact. Commercial viability involves identifying existing market solutions, their weaknesses, and how the project can exploit these gaps. Social viability necessitates considering the opinions and acceptance of individuals across different social classes, including those who will use the product and those who might administer it, if applicable. Another fundamental principle for successful projects in the Global South is integrating feedback from individuals who are intimately familiar with the local context, culture, and realities. The best solutions often come from those closest to the problem. Long-term field visits, where individuals can become fully immersed in local communities and contexts, are crucial for understanding nuances that remote studies cannot capture. Projects should incorporate local knowledge and inputs to ensure that interventions are relevant and effective within the specific context, thereby valuing the contributions of local stakeholders. Beyond conducting rigorous research, effective communication and dissemination of research findings are critical yet undervalued aspects of a successful social impact project. Research findings must be tailored to different audiences and time horizons to maximize impact. For example, while academic data on poor ventilation in buildings might be vital for policymakers making long-term decisions, practical demonstrations (in local languages or languages most understood by the people) of improving ventilation can be more beneficial for current tenants. By presenting information that resonates with the audience and addressing their immediate concerns, researchers can ensure their findings lead to actionable and
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