Benefits for companies There are numerous benefits of a roundtable such as the SBRT for its members. First and foremost, it offers access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from prominent companies, academics and experts. Businesses gain the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences, whether they are success stories or impediments. The collaborative format enables companies to share their sustainability concerns and receive insights from others who have encountered similar situations or are thought leaders in the field. Furthermore, the peer-to-peer environment promotes innovation. Companies can discuss ideas in a safe and supportive space, receiving constructive feedback from their fellow professionals. This not only leads to more effective sustainability strategies but also helps companies build confidence in their initiatives. The SBRT provides a platform for companies to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing sustainability challenges. Another key benefit of the SBRT is that it helps companies break down internal silos. Sustainability often requires cross-functional collaboration and the SBRT encourages companies to take an integrated approach. By bringing together representatives from various departments, the roundtable enables businesses to view sustainability not as a standalone initiative, but as something that should be embedded into every aspect of the company – from branding and business strategy to operations and customer engagement. Important conversations at the SBRT take place not only between sustainability professionals but also between them and their CEOs, CFOs, supervisory board members and colleagues leading key functions. Creating a pathway to success Since its inception, the SBRT has facilitated several success stories, particularly around collaboration between companies, start-ups, representatives of younger generations and academics. By creating a friendly platform for transparent discussions, the SBRT has enabled companies to create connections and collaborate on sustainability initiatives. The recent inclusion of start-ups has led to even more dynamic collaborations. Young companies often bring fresh ideas and agile approaches to sustainability challenges and by partnering with larger, more established companies, they have been able to scale their engagement on innovations.
The influence of the SBRT extends beyond the companies involved; it has also significantly impacted ESMT’s academic offerings. Insights and case studies from SBRT meetings have been integrated into the curriculum. Faculty members who participate in the roundtable have brought these discussions into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students and giving them a practical understanding of how sustainability is applied in the business world. Moreover, the SBRT has created numerous opportunities for students to engage directly with member companies. Through internships, project work and guest lectures, ESMT students have had the chance to work alongside global sustainability experts. This has been invaluable for students, giving them a head start in their careers and helping them understand the complexities of implementing sustainability initiatives. Partnerships forged through the SBRT have kept faculty at the forefront of sustainability trends, ensuring that their teaching reflects the latest developments and challenges in the field. This has enriched ESMT’s academic offerings and reinforced its position as a leader in sustainability education. As a result, we have developed new programmes in both custom and open formats. For example, together with Siemens Energy, we created a programme to provide employees with advanced knowledge on corporate sustainability, covering regulatory frameworks, capital market perspectives, decarbonisation strategies and innovations in the circular economy. The SBRT network was instrumental in securing top faculty, best practices and relevant start-ups for this initiative. We have also created a new executive education programme open to applicants from diverse companies. Its design reflects ideas championed by the SBRT: namely, that sustainability must be embedded into every function of the company. Our programme therefore offers comprehensive sustainability education to executives and professionals from various roles, empowering them to lead transformations within their areas of responsibility, whether in finance, sales, operations, R&D, HR or specialised sustainability functions. The SBRT has also sparked new research ideas. Collaboration between our faculty and SBRT companies has led to action-oriented, research‑based insights that have supported businesses in transitioning from net-zero targets
Business Impact • ISSUE 4 • 2024 26
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