This symposium is funded by Ragnar Söderbergs stiftelse.
Introduction
Geopolitical Context The world of ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – is at a crossroads. In recent years, the political and legal landscape around responsible business has been changing. In the United States, support for ESG ideas has weakened, while the European Union is moving forward more carefully, especially with new rules like the CSRD and CSDDD. These changes raise important questions about what the future holds for businesses trying to act responsibly—especially family-owned companies, which often follow their own set of values and ways of working.
Purpose of the Conference
As expectations around responsible business continue to shift, it is more important than ever to have open, honest conversations. This conference is not just about expert presentations. It’s a space for real dialogue—bringing together people from different fields to share experiences and explore how responsible practices can continue to grow, even in a time of change.The event is supported by Ragnar Söderbergs Stiftelse and The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, showing how valuable and timely these conversations are.
Focus
We will pay special attention to family businesses. These companies often reflect the vision and values of their founders, making their approach to responsibility more personal and deeply rooted. As they grow, however, they also face increasing pressure to follow rules around competition, transparency, and responsible sourcing—especially within their supply chains. This conference will look at how family businesses can stay true to their values while also staying competitive and following legal requirements.
Collaboration
Throughout the day, people from research, business, policy, and law will share their stories and ideas. The goal is not just to present ready-made answers, but to build a space for shared learning—where we can be honest about the challenges, learn from each other’s successes, and think ahead about what responsible business means in today’s world.This collaborative spirit is what makes the conference valuable to anyone working in business, administration, or policy—not just lawyers or economists. By learning together, we can find better ways to put responsible practices at the heart of business for the future.
Organizing committee
Julian Nowag (HKU and Lund) and Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
Program
08.30 Registration
09:00 – 09:10 Welcome & Opening Remarks
Anna Wetterbom, Ragnar Söderbergs stiftelse, Julian Nowag (HKU/Lund) & Marco Corradi (ESSEC Business School)
09:10 – 09:50 Keynote Address
Belén Villalonga (NYU Stern School of Business)
PANEL 1: The ‘G’ in ESG: Governance, Law, and the Future of the Family Firm
Moderator: Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
Speakers (15 min each):
- Mario Daniele Amore (Bocconi University)
- Lusina Ho (Hong Kong University)
- Ernest Lim (National University of Singapore)
- Hanna Almlöf (Linköping University)
Panel Discussion and Q&A: 20 min
11:20 – 11:40 Coffee Break
PANEL 2: Dialogue, Investor Relations, Performance, and Disclosure
Moderator: Julian Nowag (HKU/Lund)
Speakers (15 min each):
- Anete Pajuste (Stockholm School of Economics)
- Marco Mismetti ((Stockholm School of Economics)
- Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
- Erik Stern (Family Business Network, Sweden)
- Kerri-Anne Hempshall (PRI/CA100+)
Panel Discussion and Q&A: 20 min
13:15 – 14:15 Lunch break
PANEL 3: Capital, Compliance, and values: Ownership in a Changing World
Moderator: Belén Villalonga (NYU Stern) Speakers (15 min each):
- Silvia Grandi (Bologna University and CNR)
- Massimo Baù (Jönköping University)
- Suren Gomtsian (LSE)
- Julian Nowag (HKU/Lund)
- Marco Corradi (ESSEC)
- Marcus Glader (Vinge)
Panel Discussion and Q&A: 20 min
16:05 – 16.30 Coffee break
16.30 – 17.30
Panel 4: Reflections panel and open discussion in the Value Chain: Navigating Supply, Competition, and Regulation.
17.30- 18-30 Drink reception
The event is free of charge and open to the public but registration is required.
The symposium will recorded and published on this wepbage.
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