UN recognition of the social economy builds on progress in many countries, from Senegal to South Korea. The next step is widespread implementation, say Victorine Anquediche Ndeye, Marlène Schiappa, Chantal Line Carpentier, Frédéric Bailly and Francois Bonnici.
In his new series, responsible business pioneer Michael Solomon challenges businesses to a “race to the top” to convert positive impact into “cold, hard competitive advantage over the greenwashers, laggards and other stalwarts of business as usual”.
A car company in Wales has created a unique business structure that balances the interests of environment, employees and others with those of its shareholders. We need to replicate this model widely – before it's too late, says author Paddy Le Flufy.
From farm data that's easier to trace, to more efficient 'smart contracts', to using tokens to raise funds from a range of investors – blockchain can help overcome some of the barriers to growth in impact investing.
Ethical businesses are being left to struggle and die, while we pour billions into ESG initiatives that often ignore the voices of producers and workers, says the Transform Trade CEO. For Fairtrade's radical vision to flourish, tougher regulation is vital.
Economic theory depends on accounting – yet it ignores the role of accounting in distributing value. Why does that matter? Because it limits the potential contribution of economics in resolving today's social and environmental crises.
While impact emphasises the facts, honesty speaks more about attitude, says Stone Soup Consulting's Sophie Robin – and while an ‘honesty report’ doesn't answer all the questions, it pushes the company to reflect and seek continual improvement.
Impact assets still fall far short of today's pressing social needs. We need a major mindset shift in impact investing – and we need to trust our unstoppable social entrepreneurs to do what they do best.
As decision time looms on where to allocate £700m of dormant assets, the MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central makes the case for social entrepreneurs – who "dare to think differently" and make a huge impact, especially in underserved areas of the UK.
