The Corporate Responsibility | ESG Initiative was launched in 2024 in response to growing legal and political debates on corporate accountability, sustainability, and regulatory design. As environmental, social, and governance considerations increasingly shape legislative agendas, the Initiative provides a forum for scholarly exchange on the evolving role of corporations within contemporary regulatory frameworks. It is jointly organized by Vincent Hoppmann , Dr Antonia Sommerfeld , and Saparya Sood (MPI-Bonn)
Within its first year, the Initiative has established a notably active programme, convening nine events in online and in-person formats. Rather than pursuing a narrowly defined thematic agenda, the organizers have adopted a deliberately open approach, reflecting the breadth and fluidity of current ESG debates. As Saparya Sood explained, this flexibility has allowed the Initiative to ‘host speakers for work that looks interesting without necessarily forcing it into a rigid structure’, while still maintaining a clear focus on corporate responsibility.
A particular highlight was a collaborative event with fellow Initiative, Law, Climate Change, and the Environment, on ‘The Corporation’s Complicity in the Climate Crisis‘. The event combined a scholarly lecture, formal discussion, and a film screening directed by the speaker, followed by an extended public exchange. Reflecting on her role as discussant, Saparya described the experience as ‘quite an honour’, emphasizing the value of engaging critically with senior scholarship from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Beyond individual events, the Initiative has generated significant academic and institutional value. It has facilitated intellectual exchange across Max Planck Institutes, supported early career researchers in building scholarly networks, and created a visible platform for discussion at the intersection of law, economics, and sustainability. Vincent Hoppmann noted that the Initiative has also fostered collegial collaboration, observing that ‘it is hard to build relationships outside your own Institute otherwise’.
Looking ahead, the organizers plan to continue regular online events and explore future in-person formats. The Initiative is currently inviting additional Max Planck Law scholars to join the organizing team. Those interested in contributing to its development are encouraged to consult the Initiative’s webpage for further information and contact details: https://law.mpg.de/initiatives/corporate-responsibility-esg/.