Michael Porter

Even as countries around the world continue to emerge from a bruising recession, businesses are still bearing the brunt of the blame for the economic crisis. Companies themselves are partly to blame, argues Professor Michael Porter, because they remain trapped in a narrow-minded approach to value creation, optimizing short-term financial gains instead of addressing society’s bigger and broader problems. But these challenges can be overcome by working toward creating shared value, in which businesses enhance their competitiveness while also improving the economic and social conditions in the communities where they operate. It is not enough to be a corporate donor, he argues. He explores various and powerful ways companies can benefit society – as well as drive their own growth and profitability. Professor Porter believes this reimagining of capitalism and its relationship to society will fuel a new wave of innovation and productivity – and perhaps most importantly, help the business world regain legitimacy in the eyes of the public.