The Initiative ‘Corporate Responsibility | ESG’ focuses on the concept of the modern-day corporation in an ever-changing regulatory landscape. The term ‘ESG’—Environmental, Social, and Governance—has become ubiquitous in the discussion about the corporation today. Consumers as well as investors who are increasingly aware and concerned about issues such as climate change and the future of the planet are demanding increased accountability for and transparency from corporations regarding their impacts on society. In response, governments are wielding the power of legislation to nudge or mandate corporations to prioritize social responsibility and environmental sustainability in their operations. The European Union, a frontrunner in environmental regulations, is at the forefront of this movement, enacting a series of directives aimed at fostering responsible and sustainable business practices. The pressures faced by corporations, however, are beyond regulatory compliance and they are scrambling to adapt in the face of heightened scrutiny. Governments all over the world are taking action and corporations are at the centre of the discussions surrounding sustainability and social responsibility.
It is in this context that the Initiative is being launched to foster a space for knowledge exchange and critical reflection on existing laws as well as the important questions around the need and design of regulation concerning corporations and their impact on society and the environment. In its first year, the Initiative aims to delve into the complexities of the European agenda for decarbonization, supply chain management, and the transition into a circular economy.