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The EU’s Directive 2014/95/EU requires large companies to disclose non-financial information related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters in their annual reports. However, a recent study from Nyenrode Business University found that simply mandating reporting won’t guarantee enhanced transparency. In fact, the Directive's flexibility and weak enforcement make it less effective, and more costly, for companies that are not motivated to share detailed information.

Organizations must restore the balance between business continuity and concern for people, nature and society, according to Prof. Albert Plugge in his inaugural speech on June 14. Plugge is professor of ESG Transformation & Digital Innovation at Nyenrode Business University. "Financial interests have prevailed since the industrial revolution, but that concept is no longer tenable."

The way we govern our enterprises is under pressure, according to Prof. Dr. Jeroen Veldman in his inaugural lecture on May 29. “Organizations are increasingly confronted with expectations from various quarters. These expectations often pertain to mitigating systemic risks such as climate change. This development affects how we implement corporate governance."

All stakeholders can benefit from a sustainable clothing industry, says S. M. Akterujjaman during his PhD defense ceremony on May 22. His research is concerned with the complex network of relationships and interactions that determine the shape of corporate social responsibility. In doing so, Akterujjaman focused mainly on the clothing industry in Bangladesh.

Pension funds have the potential to make the world a better place. However, challenges remain. The crucial question is how pension funds intend to achieve their broader goals.

Does regulation on sustainability reporting actually lead to more sustainability? This question was central to Professor René Orij's inaugural lecture on April 5th. "Organizations need to think more about the long-term benefits and necessities."

When it comes to making choices, it's a real pickle. This pretty much sums up the biggest challenges for financial professionals aiming to steer towards integrated value. Surprisingly, the oft-cited issue of data availability isn't the main hurdle for these individuals. The real challenge lies in decision-making.

Substantive developments and shifting priorities have led to significant changes in corporate reporting regulations in recent years. Dr. Ferdy van Beest, Associate Professor of Corporate Reporting at Nyenrode Business University and Director of Sustainability at Flynth adviseurs en accountants (Flynth Dutch auditors and consultants), emphasizes that stakeholders must make substantial efforts in order to keep up with changing regulations. Van Beest sees a large knowledge gap between scientific research and practical applications in corporate reporting. It is his mission to bridge this gap.