Nyenrode and KPMG establish the ESG Innovation Institute

Making the latest knowledge accessible to any organization that wants to accelerate its sustainability efforts, that is the goal of the cooperation between KPMG and Nyenrode Business Universiteit. Together they are setting up an innovation institute in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) themes. The ESG Innovation Institute of Nyenrode and KPMG is the first academic collaboration in terms of sustainability between a major accounting and consulting firm and a university in the Benelux. 

KPMG and Nyenrode are also jointly setting up an ESG chair as well as developing a study program, research, scientific publications, and organizing network and other meetings. The idea is to start a movement among managers and other professionals by inspiring them and facilitating innovative sustainable leadership. This way, they will soon have at their disposal the latest knowledge and skills needed to make companies future-proof on their way to a sustainable economy. This will require a great deal of innovation and collaboration in ecosystems.

"The impact of business activities on people, the environment, and society is becoming increasingly important for the success of organizations. This means a fundamental change in the management of organizations. Embedding sustainability in vision, mission, strategy, processes, and systems is an expedition for all of us, which requires new knowledge and in which collaboration is essential to achieve sustainable progress. We are proud that together with Nyenrode we are realizing the ESG Innovation Institute, which offers a platform for knowledge exchange and co-creation for everyone who wants to accelerate change towards sustainability," says Stephanie Hottenhuis, CEO of KPMG.

Professor Koen Becking, Rector and President of Nyenrode Business Universiteit: "Sustainability and corporate governance are an important part of our portfolio. Our goal as a university is to create positive social impact by training responsible leaders through education, research, and knowledge sharing via our network. With KPMG's 40 years of experience in sustainability together with our relevant academic knowledge, I’m convinced that together we will fundamentally contribute to progress in our society."

The collaboration within the Nyenrode KPMG ESG Innovation Institute will be for five years with the intention to extend.