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Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship
SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
RECOMMENDED READING
3 Caring Capitalism: The Meaning and Measure of Social Value By Emily Barman (2016) Cambridge University Press This reflective book outlines the historical definition and appraisal of social value across different sectors. It emphasises that what counts as and gets rewarded
Small change Breaking SMEs' cycle of inaction on net zero
Reads you need in order to embed sustainability
for being ‘social value’ changes when companies begin to champion their capacity to solve social problems and purpose becomes entangled with profit. It is a reminder that measurement choices are not neutral. Methods for measuring social value influence what goals, rewards, and justifications are acceptable – a message that remains as relevant for managers today as it was 10 years ago. You can learn more about how to measure social impact more effectively on page 58 of this magazine.
1 It’s On You By Nick Chater and George Loewenstein (2026) WH Allen Nudge theory was quickly embraced by politicians on both sides of the Atlantic as a way to subtly influence people to make decisions for their own good and
4 The Geopolitics of Energy System Transformation By Michael Bradshaw (2026) Bristol University Press
by Maria Wishart and Kevin Mole
It has become increasingly obvious that the gradual shift to a low-carbon economy cannot continue. But the world has fallen well behind the targets set by the Paris Agreement. So, what happens next? WBS professor Michael Bradshaw argues that the reality will be a “messy mix” of the two and businesses that understand this transformation will be best placed to benefit. His article on page 8 offers an insightful introduction to the issue. If you want to delve deeper into the reality and impact of energy transition, this book is a must-read.
the good of the planet. This eye-opening book, co-authored by WBS professor Nick Chater, argues that it was all too good to be true. In reality, nudges rarely work and divert us from policies that do. This is particularly costly in the sustainability arena, helping the rich and powerful to use a clever sleight of hand to blame individuals instead of focusing on building a low-carbon economy.
2 Chain smoking By Frederik Dahlmann (2023) Core 12 The expectation that companies should report the emissions they produce themselves (Scope 1) and those that result from the energy they use (Scope 2) has become
5 Green Swans By John Elkington (2020) Fast Company Press
John Elkington is the inventor of the triple bottom line theory, which called for businesses to add environmental and social goals alongside financial targets. In this book, he asks if managers pay
well-established. But many businesses are yet to begin collecting and publishing Scope 3 emissions, which are produced by suppliers and customers up and down their value chain. This article explores why many are reluctant to do so – from challenges in collecting data to the reputational risks involved if the data they share are misrepresented – and how managing stakeholder expectations can help firms to be more transparent about their carbon footprint.
enough attention to the many trends – beyond the obvious risks – that are likely to disrupt their industries and business models. His take on Nassim Taleb’s economically disastrous ‘black swans’ is a clear warning for managers that sustainability is a challenge that will create winners and losers. Understanding the commercial opportunities offered by the Sustainable Development Goals will help them to prepare for the changes ahead.
Warwick Business School | wbs.ac.uk
wbs.ac.uk | Warwick Business School
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