Michel Kalika
President and founder of the Business Science Institute
IAE Lyon school of management
Lyon 3 University
(Speech at the 23rd International Governance Conference)
In a world where the challenges of sustainable development are becoming ever more pressing, a major question arises: how can we measure the real impact of the actions undertaken by companies? As President of the Business Science Institute, an organization that runs an international DBA bringing together over 200 managers from 60 countries, it is striking to note that more than half of these PhD students focus on topics related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But this awareness is not enough. We urgently need to move beyond declarations of intent and enter an era of rigorous, concrete impact measurement.
Sustainable development must be more than just a slogan or a communications strategy. Without a rigorous assessment of the impact of the actions undertaken, we run the risk of remaining in the realm of illusion. The resources mobilized and the actions implemented are important, but they are not enough. It is essential to focus on the tangible results of these actions. Too often, sustainable development decisions are limited to listing the resources invested and the actions taken, forgetting to measure their true impact.
This challenge is particularly critical for decision-makers and managers. The need to define precise indicators and robust methodologies to assess the real impact of actions undertaken can no longer be ignored. These measurement tools are essential to ensure that the resources invested and the efforts deployed result in positive, lasting change. It's no longer just a question of showing that you're taking action, but of proving that these actions have a real and beneficial effect.
In today's environment, where every company must integrate sustainable development objectives into its strategy, the ability to measure impact is becoming a competitive advantage. Indeed, companies that can demonstrate the effectiveness of their actions will be better placed to win the confidence of consumers, investors and regulators. This is not just a question of social responsibility, but also a strategic requirement.
Governance researchers have a key role to play in this process. Their mission is to develop indicators and methodologies that enable effective evaluation of the results of sustainable development actions. These tools are essential for transforming intentions into concrete, measurable actions. They enable us to move beyond declarative statements and embark on a genuine dynamic of change.
For decision-makers and managers, the stakes are high. It's a question of moving beyond the stage of good intentions to one of real impact. This requires a rethinking of current practices and a willingness to acquire the tools needed to measure and evaluate the results of actions undertaken. Only a rigorous approach to impact measurement will ensure that decisions taken in the field of sustainable development have lasting, beneficial effects.
There is an urgent need to realize that measuring the impact of sustainable development actions is a strategic imperative for companies. It ensures that the resources invested and the efforts deployed produce concrete, lasting results. To achieve this, it is essential to develop precise indicators and robust methodologies. Decision-makers, managers and researchers need to mobilize to integrate these tools into their day-to-day governance. Only then can sustainable development initiatives truly transform our society and our environment.