• understand and reflect on CSR as an ambiguous and contested concept
• understand the strategic benefits of CSR/corporate sustainability as well as some of the possible shortcomings of instrumental approaches to sustainable development
• understand and reflect on opportunities, challenges and possible barriers associated with the creation of a more circular economy
• understand sustainable development as a systemic and dynamic concern that involves a variety of actors, agendas, principles, standards and modes of governance

The block seminar offers an opportunity for students to engage with cutting edge developments in the theory and practice of corporate sustainability, CSR, and ESG investment (environment, social, governance), including reflections on the implications of the European Green Deal and new regulation targeting investors and businesses.

We cover the most recent developments in the field and argue that companies are increasingly called upon to engage in a broader sustainability agenda with a strong focus on climate change and the environment. To speak of sustainability instead of social responsibility is not just a matter of substituting corporate sustainability or ESG for CSR. It is a matter of gaining a systemic – inclusive and collaborative – view of problems and possible solutions – even when taking the corporate point of view. However, the sustainability debate is not only about climate and the natural environment. The course will also address social issues such as business and human rights.  

Theoretically, the block seminar covers a broad tapestry of developments in corporate sustainability and sustainable development, CSR (including strategic CSR and the business case), sustainable finance and ESG, business and human rights, and corporate communication. This year’s course will feature a special focus on strategy and sustainability (at the corporate level) and a group assignment focusing on national starting points and trajectories for sustainable development.   

On the practice side, we will have presentations from leading companies and investors on their current and future sustainability challenges. We will cover the most recent developments in sustainability reporting and materiality assessment. Throughout the seminar, our discussions will be rooted in practical examples and cases.

The block seminar will consist of a mixture of lectures, class discussions, corporate presentations, group work and group presentations.

The course lasts for one week only 

Course literature will include (indicative):

Martin, R. L. & Reeves, M. (2022). Strategy in a Hyperpolitical World. Harvard Business Review, Nov.-Dec., 1-7.

Sjåfjell, B. (2018). Redefining the Corporation for a Sustainable New Economy. Journal of Law and Society, 45(1), 29-45.

Bansal, P. et al. (2024). Strategy can no longer ignore planetary boundaries: A call for tackling strategy’s ecological fallacy. Journal of Management Studies, doi:10.1111/joms.13088.

Wagenhofer, A. (2024) Sustainability Reporting: A Financial Reporting Perspective. Accounting in Europe, 21(1), 1-13.

Christensen, L.T., Morsing, M. & Thyssen, O. (2013). CSR as aspirational talk. Organisation, 20(3), 1‐22.

Vallentin, S. & Spence, L. (2017). Strategic CSR: Ambitions and Critiques. Ch. 3 in: Rasche, A., Morsing, M. & Moon, J. (Eds.). Corporate Social Responsibility – Strategy, Communication, Governance (pp. 63-85). St Ives: Cambridge University.

Valente, M. (2017). Corporate Responsibility Strategies for Sustainability. Ch. 4 in: Rasche, A., Morsing, M. & Moon, J. (Eds.). Corporate Social Responsibility – Strategy, Communication, Governance (pp. 86-109). St Ives: Cambridge University.

Eccles, R. & Klimenko, S. (2019). The Investor Revolution – Shareholders are getting serious about sustainability. Harvard Business Review, May-June, 107-116.