- |
When native fish disappeared in thousands of lakes across Finland, local fishers used business to turn things around.
Sustainable Innovation
Innovation is vital for a company’s survival and growth. Firms that don’t innovate fall behind their competitors and ultimately go out of business.
However, traditional forms of innovation may be harmful for employees or over-exploit natural resources. “Sustainable innovation” aims to address those unintended social and environmental impacts. It involves changing a company’s products, services or processes to produce long-term social and environmental benefits while creating economic profits for the firm.
That approach can produce real benefits for businesses. For example, research shows that companies that consider stakeholders produce more patents and also more impactful patents.
NBS can guide you on the sustainable innovation journey. We have a host of resources, from case studies and examples to step-by-step guides.
And, check out our partner organization, led by NBS Founder Tima Bansal: Innovation North.
Filter Our Resources
The Latest of Sustainable Innovation
- |
Sustainability challenges are urgent. Can solutions come quickly? The answer depends on the reach and radicalness of the innovation.
- |
The “Degrowth” and “Post-Growth” movements imagine a world with new goals beyond profit. What does this mean for business?
- |
Discover what sustainability professionals are most curious about in 2023.
Partner with NBS to grow our resources on this topic.
The Basics of Sustainable Innovation
- |
More frequent wildfires are damaging grapes in California. Wineries are sourcing grapes from more vineyards to reduce risk – and it’s paying off.
- |
Oil and gas companies communicate about their ‘ambitious’ climate goals. But they are not taking nearly enough action.
- |
Small farmers are an important part of the food system, but they’re struggling. What should businesses and consumers do?
- |
Join a global discussion on best practices for teaching climate change in business schools. Get inspired by new approaches and share your experience. Series begins Jan 25.
- |
The circular economy could reduce food waste and make agrifood more sustainable. But solutions aren’t automatic.
- |
Being aware of our unconscious beliefs gives us new opportunities to behave sustainably. A business scholar and parenting coach explain.
- |
Empathy is a skill needed for business and society. Goa Institute of Management shares its innovative strategy for developing empathy in business students.
- |
The corporate reporting landscape can be overwhelming. This article describes key types of annual reports and advice for choosing among them.
- |
Greenwashing harms the planet and can hurt your company’s bottom line. Here’s how to make your sustainability claims accurate.
- |
Art and music can spark imagination, drive emotion, and create meaning. Businesses can use this power to advance sustainability.
- |
International migration is part of our world. Businesses have a central role in managing this workforce. Learn more from the experts.
- |
Business school students want to create sustainability impact. Here’s how educators can help students drive change.
- |
Carbon reporting is becoming mandatory for many companies. Find out how your can get ready to disclose its carbon emissions and policies.
- |
After NBS issued a statement on the Ukraine War, stakeholders weighed in. Director Jury Gualandris shares lessons about crisis response.
- |
Carbon reporting isn’t a perfect system. But it can help you to lower climate-related financial risk, spur innovation and reduce emissions.
- |
Conscious consumerism can mean more sustainable impact. But it’s a goal companies and consumers need to achieve together.
- |
Engaging through the Network for Business Sustainability is better than ever. Check out our new capabilities.
- |
Learn what science says about climate change’s causes, impacts and solutions — especially for business.
- |
By building sustainability into innovation, companies can create products, services, and processes that are good for both society and the organization.
Systems Thinking – The New Approach for Sustainable and Profitable Businesses
Ju Young Lee
| January 24, 2023
Traditional, linear business thinking won’t solve social and environmental issues. Executives need systems thinking.
What is Sustainable Innovation?
Ju Young Lee
| October 19, 2021
By building sustainability into innovation, companies can create products, services, and processes that are good for both society and the organization.