Our latest thought leadership and research aims to inform and equip decision makers across business, finance and policy to lay the foundations for a sustainable economy.
Rewiring leadership: The future we want, the leadership we need
March 2018 – Businesses face unprecedented change from social and environmental challenges, technical innovation and business model innovation. There is growing public expectation and a commercial case for businesses to shape and lead the change we need for a better future – not just adapt to it. This report outlines the Cambridge Impact Leadership Model, informed by CISL’s work with over 9,000 leaders. It describes how to develop the leadership we need to deliver value for business, society and the environment.
Modelling better business: Nestlé trials natural capital premium with UK dairy farmers
February 2018 – In the first in a series of ‘Modelling better business’ case studies, the Natural Capital Impact Group (NCIG) showcase its work with Nestlé to protect natural capital through an innovative scheme which provides dairy farmers with a price premium for taking practical measures to enhance the natural environment.
8 business and sustainability trends that will define 2018
January 2018 – In this trends briefing, you’ll find the condensed views and predictions of more than 40 Directors, Fellows, and Senior Associates affiliated to the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), supported by a survey of the wider CISL global Network of over 8,000 senior leaders and leading practitioners representing every industry on every continent.
Building leaders for long-term business performance
December 2017 – This report examines how multinational companies are equipping employees with the skills, knowledge and values to grow businesses for the long term. It deepens our understanding of how companies are defining and developing their leadership and talent pipelines in order to thrive in an increasingly complex business environment, while simultaneously contributing to long-term social, environmental and economic goals.
The inescapable truth: Brexit, business and natural capital
December 2017 – Brexit requires the United Kingdom to develop its own policy towards agriculture and rural land to replace the Common Agricultural Policy. This working paper outlines how future policies have the potential to protect and improve natural capital in order for UK businesses to remain competitive and resilient.
Resilient cities: A toolkit for insurers to identify the business case
November 2017 – This toolkit is designed to help insurers identify commercial opportunities, through the development of new products and services that can support cities in their response to natural catastrophes. The toolkit, which is split across two workshops, contains all the material a facilitator needs in order to hold internal conversations on the future role of their organisation in managing the protection gap.
Insurable Cities: The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review 2017
November 2017 – The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review 2017 of the six ClimateWise Principles finds a third year of improved scores for members of the insurance industry leadership group. On its 10th anniversary the report finds the industry has improved its investment activities but members should look to further integrate climate change related initiatives into their core business strategies and look to increase board-level oversight on climate change and sustainability.
Electric avenue: The future of road transport in Europe
November 2017 – This report draws together insights from businesses and industry experts to map the trends toward electrification and automation in the road transport sector. It seeks to make a high-level assessment of the implications and opportunities for European businesses, as well as what policymakers need to do to respond to these trends.
Catalysing Fintech for Sustainability: Lessons from multi-sector innovation
October 2017 – This report presents recommendations on how to design collaboration between multinationals, financial institutions and start-ups in order to better harness fintech to help solve sustainability challenges in the real economy.
Towards a sustainable economy: The commercial imperative for business to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals
September 2017 – The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global strategy for achieving economic growth that is consistent with the planet’s carrying capacity, society’s basic needs and priorities, and the capabilities and stability of the economy. In this report, leading companies from the newly formed Rewiring the Economy Inquiry Group call for a compelling business narrative and a systemic approach to maximise the chances of delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
