Business for a Sustainable Future

Living in the shadow of the 2008 financial crisis and a looming climate change crisis, we should recall John F. Kennedy's observation: 

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis’. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for ‘opportunity’. In a crisis, be aware of the danger – but recognize the opportunity.”

A new White Paper from HEC Paris looks at the several ways business can exploit new opportunities to help solve the world's huge social and environmental problems and help avert the dangers.

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Download the HEC Paris White Paper Here:

SOCIETY & ORGANIZATIONS: WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY TO BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

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In this White Paper HEC Paris experts review the key areas for action under these headings:

The Inclusive Economy – Creating a more inclusive economy is not just an ethical concern - it also makes strong business sense

Driving Innovation and Disruption – Frugal innovation can reach developing markets and disrupt developed world markets

The Circular Economy – The business case for meeting the challenge of sustainability through resource optimization

Low-Carbon Economy – Proof that companies can pursue growth and reduce carbon emissions at the same time

Law, Nations and Corporations – Collaborative regulation can transform the corporate purpose of companies

The Co-Regulatory Model – Where nations regulate the behaviour of corporations, not only in their own jurisdiction, but globally

Investing for the Long Term – Investor power and market stability are not necessarily opposed – asset owners have an inherent long-term focus

Finance with a Positive Social Impact – Integrating financial services into communities to become a driver of social good

"Integrating sustainable innovation, inclusive growth, as well as social and environmental impact into their corporate strategy, now makes real business sense... Ultimately, companies that want to develop their business and survive need to pay attention to the three key issues – social inequality, the social impact of their products and services, and the impact they have on the environment," – Professor Rodolphe Durand, Academic Director of the HEC Paris Centre for Society and Organizations (S&O)