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New Study Says Companies Will Soon Feel the Heat over Sustainability

New Study Says Companies Will Soon Feel the Heat over Sustainability

Published 05-29-02

Submitted by Infonic Ltd

LONDON, England - Infonic, the Internet research and communications consultancy, today released the first in a series of five reports analysing the implications of the forthcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The first report focuses on the major trends likely to impact companies' communications strategies and identifies opportunities and threats.

Predictions include:

· Corporate accountability will shape the media agenda for the Summit as much as the policy and practicalities of sustainable development.
· Johannesburg will help identify 'the next Kyoto' – the next big social or environmental issue that will spill over into a corporate communications challenge.
· Campaigners will use the Summit as a platform to raise awareness of a multitude of alleged corporate transgressions.
· A reassessment of corporate influence at government and intergovernmental level will lead to increased scrutiny of business lobby groups and individual corporations.
· Firms that win reputational advantage at Johannesburg will be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to development, debt and environmental protection – and can point to clear policies and action on these issues.

The first report is available free through Infonic's Web site: http://www.infonic.com/library/joburg2002.htm.

"The Summit is set to do for sustainability what Rio did for global warming ten years ago," says Infonic's Managing Director Roy Lipski. "It will plant sustainability into the public consciousness and cast the glare of the spotlight on how companies are performing in this area."

Since October 2001 Infonic has been tracking the build up to the WSSD, which runs from 26 August- 4 September. The series of monthly executive reports entitled "Johannesburg Briefings" focuses on the reputational implications of the event. It begins this month and finishes with a post-Summit evaluation in September. Just some of the areas to be covered include:

· Expectations and trends: Why is the Summit important? What impact is it likely to have? What are the 'trigger points' that will be the main focus of discussions at and around the event?
· Strategic positioning of the business lobby: What opportunities and threats exist?
· Tactics and strategies of NGOs: Who are the key players? What networks and coalitions are emerging? What are their goals?
· Post-Summit evaluation: What are the implications for business? How has the Summit changed expectations of corporate responsibility? Who are the winners and losers?

The reports are available through subscription from Infonic Publications for £695 + VAT. Individual reports in the series can be bought for £250 +VAT each.

About Infonic Ltd.

Infonic Limited (http://www.infonic.com) is an Internet research and communications consultancy specialising in analysis of social and environmental issues and trends online. Recent projects include work on globalisation, climate change and access to medicines. Infonic also works with clients to help them identify, monitor and respond to online reputation opportunities and threats. Founded in 1997, Infonic has a prestigious client list of international companies including Unilever, Bayer, Diageo and Levi Strauss & Co.

Infonic Ltd

Infonic Ltd

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