CEMS Block Sem­in­ar

Course content

The block seminar offers an opportunity for students to engage with cutting edge developments in the theory and practice of corporate sustainability, CSR, and ESG investment (environment, social, governance), including reflections on the implications of the European Green Deal and new regulation targeting investors and businesses.

We cover the most recent developments in the field and argue that companies are increasingly called upon to engage in a broader sustainability agenda with a strong focus on climate change and the environment. To speak of sustainability instead of social responsibility is not just a matter of substituting corporate sustainability or ESG for CSR. It is a matter of gaining a systemic – inclusive and collaborative – view of problems and possible solutions – even when taking the corporate point of view. However, the sustainability debate is not only about climate and the natural environment. The course will also address social issues such as business and human rights.  

Theoretically, the block seminar covers a broad tapestry of developments in corporate sustainability and sustainable development, CSR (including strategic CSR and the business case), sustainable finance and ESG, business and human rights, and corporate communication. This year’s course will feature a special focus on strategy and sustainability (at the corporate level) and a group assignment focusing on national starting points and trajectories for sustainable development.   

On the practice side, we will have presentations from leading companies and investors on their current and future sustainability challenges. We will cover the most recent developments in sustainability reporting and materiality assessment. Throughout the seminar, our discussions will be rooted in practical examples and cases.

The block seminar will consist of a mixture of lectures, class discussions, corporate presentations, group work and group presentations.