Good impact measurement processes supposedly ensure an investment will achieve the desired outcome. But is that the case? New research from NPC suggests we simply don't know – and that's a real problem.
The more that impact measurement is relied on to shape investor decisions, the more worried we should be, says Dr Jess Daggers: the information gathered does not necessarily correspond with reality, and yet few take this risk into account.
Suppporting social enterprises will only go so far without ensuring access to finance and to markets. While many policymakers fail to connect the demand and supply sides, Abu Dhabi's “ecosystem approach” is showing how it can be done.
We need to halt economic growth to save the planet, but sustain growth to meet society's needs. Impact investing can help overcome this paradox, says the co-founder of Astanor Ventures, by focusing on three key principles.
The Mumbai slum romanticised in the film Slumdog Millionaire is to be redeveloped – but current plans ignore its function as a hub of enterprise and creativity. Sustainability-linked finance could unlock an alternative future.
UN recognition of the social economy builds on progress in many countries, from Senegal to South Korea. The next step is widespread implementation, say Victorine Anquediche Ndeye, Marlène Schiappa, Chantal Line Carpentier, Frédéric Bailly and Francois Bonnici.
In his new series, responsible business pioneer Michael Solomon challenges businesses to a “race to the top” to convert positive impact into “cold, hard competitive advantage over the greenwashers, laggards and other stalwarts of business as usual”.
A car company in Wales has created a unique business structure that balances the interests of environment, employees and others with those of its shareholders. We need to replicate this model widely – before it's too late, says author Paddy Le Flufy.
From farm data that's easier to trace, to more efficient 'smart contracts', to using tokens to raise funds from a range of investors – blockchain can help overcome some of the barriers to growth in impact investing.