Future17: Empowering students to address Sustainable Development Goals

Jonathan Crowell

August 1, 2024

Our modern world faces unprecedented challenges. Climate change, social inequality and resource depletion demand innovative solutions and capable leaders to navigate the complexities of the future.

In response to this global call, Arizona State University (ASU) leads the way in innovation and sustainability. ASU has been repeatedly ranked number one in the United States and top 10 globally in sustainability for its work through education, research and practice in alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ASU has also been named the most innovative university in the nation for nine years.

Involvement in a new program helps expand the university's reach. Launched in 2022, Future17 is a first-of-its-kind initiative spearheaded by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the world's largest global higher education network that ranks universities for prospective students.

In collaboration with a global consortium of participating universities, ASU proudly serves as a founding member and the first U.S.-based university to participate in Future17.

ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society (SFIS) at the College of Global Futures successfully piloted Future17 in the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters with a select group of students enrolled in the capstone course FIS 294: Introduction to Responsible Innovation.

“By partnering with Future17, students get to work on meaningful projects aimed at creating positive outcomes for the planet and humanity,” said Eusebio Scornavacca, director of the SFIS. “The experiential learning component embedded in the process allows us to co-create unbelievable learning opportunities, where students can expand and enhance their academic journeys in a global setting.”

Future17 departs from traditional classroom learning. Students delve directly into projects with companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and startups actively working toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This hands-on approach provides students with practical experience and a firsthand look at the impact their work has on pressing global issues.

Taking a unique approach

Future17 offers a unique learning environment that embraces a collaborative model. For the spring 2024 semester, two ASU students were selected to participate under the leadership of ASU instructor Chris Deaton.

At the start of the semester, students are placed on a team with peers from other participating universities. The multi-institutional approach ensures cultural awareness and understanding are at the forefront. Each team is then matched with a corporation to advise on sustainability-related issues.

ASU rising sophomore Caleb Lieberman, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in innovation in society, was part of the spring 2024 cohort for Future17. His team — which included members from the University of Exeter and locations as far away as Cairo, Egypt, South Africa, Dubai and Mexico — worked with global food distribution service to develop constructive solutions surrounding food waste worldwide.

“After getting paired with a corporation that has its own sustainability questions, I got to work with a diverse team on solving such issues,” said Lieberman. “For me, the real breakthrough moments involved realizing and being surprised at the scale and complexity of the problems the world is facing, especially those issues that perhaps we thought we already had a good handle on.”

Lieberman described his work with his team, mentored by Deaton, to include weekly collaboration with the industry partner to tackle challenges around food waste sustainability.

The final team recommendations included an AI-driven solution to help educate and empower stakeholders across the supply chain to identify and mitigate food waste, thus contributing to the UN’s SDGs.

Fall 2024 and beyond

Building on the success of the two pilots, Future17 will run as a full-time course through FIS 294: Introduction to Responsible Innovation, available to all interested ASU students.

Learning objectives include expertise in sustainability problem-solving and a range of practical project management skills. Students successful in the course can return in a mentoring role for FIS 480 or for independent study.

“By design, Future17 fosters cultural competence, digital skills, collaborative working behaviors and critical problem-solving,” said Chris Deaton, who looks forward to teaching the course next semester. “It accomplishes this through interaction with pressing, real-world issues that offer multiple layers of educational opportunities, where critical thinking and troubleshooting skills become crucial for success.”

ASU’s involvement with Future17 offers more than just an academic program; it serves as a springboard for an emerging generation of innovation and sustainability leaders. By providing students with the skills, knowledge and real-world experience needed to address the world's most pressing challenges, Future17 empowers them to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

“I would highly recommend to students considering the program and not to miss this incredible learning opportunity to enhance your student journey and work on projects with purpose and impact,” emphasized Scornavacca.