Handing out some radical Asian philanthropy

Courtesy of Insead Knowledge, by Mrinalini Reddy

Wealthy Asian dynasties are redefining the way they share their gains with the communities that helped them prosper. A new study by INSEAD and UBS reveals for the first time shifting trends in Asian philanthropy, from obscure donations to progressive strategies. Read more

From poverty to entrepreneurship: That’s friendship

by Nicholas Bray, courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge

One social entrepreneur seeks to elevate those at the bottom of the pyramid in Bangladesh. But can she navigate the straits between government, the private sector and Mother Nature?

Runa Khan’sFriendship organisation works for the poorest of the poor in one of the poorest countries of the world. Many of the people of Bangladesh to whom Friendship provides healthcare, schooling and financial support live on unstable river islands at imminent risk of being swept away by floods. Read more

Putting a price tag on corporate social responsibility

Courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge, by Theo Vermaelen

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a misunderstood, sometimes controversial issue – in spite of the fact that numerous companies have adopted CSR policies. Critics of CSR programmes argue that a CEO who wants to do “good” should do so with his/her own money, not with other people’s money. For example, in 2009 Goldman Sachs gave US$1 billion to charity. This, however, was not shareholders’ money but employees’ money: the company stated it would give this money to charity at the expense of bonuses. Read more

Energy security: a picture of uncertainty

by Grace Segran, London, courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge.

Uncertainty surrounds the security and sustainability of energy supplies in the UK from 2015 onwards, with energy prices rising – in some cases – to uncomfortably high levels. “Gas would be a very important bridge to take us to the Elysian fields of a much cleaner energy scene of onshore and offshore wind, renewables, and an expectation of a very large chunk of nuclear,” says Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of Ofgem (the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets), speaking at The Economist’s recent UK Energy Summit. Read more

A unique opportunity to become the world’s centre of eco-innovation

by Sami Mahroum, courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge.

Innovation for green growth is the new mantra for advanced economies. From Australia to the United States, governments are pouring billions of dollars, euros and yen into eco-innovation programmes. The US has earmarked US$59 billion for green technologies as part of its stimulus packages; Australia has dedicated A$5.7 billion, while Canada has set aside C$2.8 billion for that purpose. Governments are also providing other incentives ranging from support for R&D activities to new regulations and standards on transport, buildings and manufacturing. The aim is to become greener while staying competitive, and to reach that delicate balance the OECD is working towards a Green Growth Strategy for its 30+ members. Read more

Sustainability and your corporate strategy

by Cindy Babski, courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge.

Sustainability. Can it become a central part of corporate strategy? Today, the answer is: it had better be.

And not only will sustainability be a part of corporate strategy, for the next 50 years it will be the centrepiece. That’s according to Paul Kleindorfer, The Paul Dubrule Chaired Professor of Sustainability Development at INSEAD, who adds that we no longer have a choice. “We are now nearing seven billion people on the planet, about four billion of them surviving on less than two dollars a day, with water and other shortages very clearly imminent.” Read more

Philanthrocapitalism: dawn of a new era?

Courtesy of INSEAD Knowledge

Matthew Bishop, US business editor and New York bureau chief of The Economist, and co-author of ‘Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World’ speaks to Anil Gupta, INSEAD Professor on the rise of Philanthrocapitalism.

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