A spotlight on the changing purpose of business

We believe that the world cannot respond adequately to our climate, social and economic crises without businesses stepping up – and expectations on them to do just that are growing. 

As Forum for the Future’s Chief Executive Dr Sally Uren explores, the private sector is uniquely placed to lead – whether by leveraging value chains and rapidly innovating, or better using data and partnering with others for impact.    

But how can this potential be realised? What’s holding businesses back? And where should they focus? 

We’ve put the spotlight on two rapidly changing areas: what it means to be a visionary leader if you’re to shape future-fit businesses, and just how value chains are being reconfigured to put people and planet at their heart.   
Interested in partnering with Forum? Get in touch to explore a partnership tailored to your needs.

Take 60 seconds to explore the urgent need and opportunity we have to transform the purpose of business in society and the economy.

Inspiring visionary leadership

For years, Forum has worked closely with its partners to support ambitious businesses in adopting a just and regenerative mindset, defining their change-making purpose, and understanding what’s needed to truly embed, live, and deliver purpose-led change. Our work is guided by the Business Transformation Compass framework and principles behind integrating environmental and social sustainability. 

Hannah Pathak, Forum’s International Managing Director, dives into the necessity of visionary leadership for achieving positive climate and health outcomes. Meanwhile, Ksenia Benifand, Forum’s Senior Principal Change Designer, highlights its significance for advancing climate justice.  

Explore more. 

Reconfiguring value chains

The 2020s are calling for a shift from focusing on cost and efficiency to creating and distributing value more equitably, within planetary boundaries and in ways that restore ecosystem health. So what could fit-for-the-future value chain models look like? 

Hannah Cunneen, Forum’s UK/EU Associate Director, explores seven principles for businesses to transform their value chains. Dive deeper as Henrietta Hunter and James Payne, Forum’s Global Lead and Global Head, Purpose of Business, outline what it means to take a smarter, sustainable approach to supply chains on Supply Chain Management Review. Hannah Cunneen further emphasises how critical collaboration is in an exploration of synergies between food and apparel value chains. 

Explore more. 

The Futures Centre
The future of supply chains: A new future for value networks, or business as usual?

Global supply chains are going through a period of rapid transformation. To navigate this, it's critical to review the current supply chain models on which we rely. Forum's Senior Change Designer, Neil Walker, explores how change is impacting supply chain operations and relationships, and discusses the principles that could form the foundation of a truly future-fit supply chain.

Read more.
Shared value – what we mean, who decides and how it works

As people fight for a just transition and the need for more equitable value-sharing, debates in Europe are focused on worker’s rights and associated protests. Here, Forum’s UK/EU team explore what ‘shared value’ is; who is creating it and how; and what it could all mean for other markets.

Read more.
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A track record partnering with business

As a critical and trusted friend and convener, Forum has a rich track record in partnering with the private sector. Together, we’re resetting ambition and enabling businesses to step up in helping tackle the defining issues of our times.

But don’t just take our word for it. 

Here’s a snapshot of what just a few of our partners say:
“As Bupa's long-term partner, Forum supported us to test our sustainability strategy before it launched. Forum used the Business Transformation Compass as a stimulus to push our thinking on what just and regenerative might mean for Bupa." 
Mar Soro, Group Head of Sustainability Advocacy, Bupa
“As companies face more uncertain and volatile operating contexts, purpose-led business transformation has never been more important. Forum combines deep insight to effectively engage the most senior leaders in a business.”
Anke Ehlers, Managing Director CRI, Aldi South
“For more than two decades, Forum has been a key partner for Unilever on our sustainability journey. Their support to help us create deeper, more systemic change on the issues that matter most has been absolutely invaluable.”
Rebecca Marmot, Chief Sustainability Officer, Unilever

Meet the team leading our work to transform the purpose of business in society and the economy
We asked our team about the purpose of business transition and here's what they have to say.
What role can businesses play in addressing global challenges?
With the window to act closing rapidly, every part of our society must take bold action to create positive change. As the most trusted institution right now, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way in finding solutions to the climate, nature, and inequality crises. At Forum, we firmly believe in the power of businesses to be a force for good, and we are doubling down on that belief.
James Payne, Global Head - Purpose of Business
How can we get more businesses on board the transition to a just and regenerative world?
There are clear opportunities for Asian businesses to be leaders in shaping the future of sustainability. For them to feel confident in being purpose-led, businesses will require various other actors to create an enabling environment. Investors need to show support to businesses through their financing; and governments need to create incentives within industrial policies that drive this step-change.

Sumi Dhanarajan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
Why is it so important for businesses to transform right now?

Recent data couldn't have made it clearer - we are perilously close to irreversible climate change. But I'm naturally an optimist and I believe we created this problem and we can solve it. Businesses bring massive amounts of creativity, innovation, financial might and consumer appeal - all of which will be critical to overcoming climate change and creating a better future.

Zoe Le Grand, Managing Director, UK/EU

Are you interested in transforming your business? If so, let's chat.
Get in touch

The School of System Change
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Latest news

  • On edie, Forum Chief Executive Dr Sally Uren explores how, in a mega election year globally, new governments could demonstrate a genuine commitment to lasting change for a sustainable future. 

  • On the Forum blog, Forum’s Managing Director – UK/EU, Zoe Le Grand writes about the need to put people at the heart of the energy system.  

  • Forum has announced the creation of a new Advisory Board in the United States, which will provide strategic guidance aimed at deepening programmatic impact and strengthening stakeholder engagement. Meet the Board members. 

Upcoming events
Be The Change Summit, 15 August
Singapore, Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Hosted by the Singapore Fashion Council, this year's Summit theme is 'Eternally Circular: Articulating with Asian Voices'. Karen Sim, Forum’s Principal Sustainability Strategist, will be speaking on the panel, ‘Next Gen Manufacturing’. Register.
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