Global companies launch Enterprise 2020 initiative

Seventy global companies and 27 European business associations, all members of CSR Europe, have launched a joint Enterprise 2020 initiative to address societal challenges through collaborative action and shape the business contribution to the European Union’s Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Based on a shared vision of the enterprise of the future, Enterprise 2020 is a new reference initiative for companies committed to developing innovative business practices and working together with their stakeholders to provide solutions to emerging societal needs.

Launching the initiative, Harry van Dorenmalen, chairman of IBM Europe, outlined the ambition of Enterprise 2020: “The world in 2020 will be very different. Global markets, demographic change, scarcity of natural resources, the acceleration of technology will all challenge enterprises to create new solutions that contribute to social as well as economic progress. This is an opportunity. By collaborating across business, government and other partners we can make real progress in creating a sustainable future.”

Reflecting the transformational trends and drivers of global change which businesses are currently confronting, Enterprise 2020 addresses four broad themes: transforming markets, inclusive societies, health and wellbeing, and transparency for trust.

“Corporate social responsibility is a significant pillar of Europe’s economic and social future and a key element in ensuring sustainable growth. We welcome Enterprise 2020 as a significant contribution to engaging businesses and stakeholders in co-building practical solutions in support of the Europe 2020 strategy,” said Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission res­ponsible for enterprise and industry, in his endorsement of the initiative.

The Enterprise 2020 initiative was launched at a high-level event organised in Brussels by CSR Europe.