What is Corporate Social Responsibility? - InnoTrain CSR

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
1.7. Sociopolitical framework conditions for CSR
In short
Sociopolitical framework conditions form a "resonator" for corporate action.
This requires permanent adjustments – including and especially with respect
to the concept of CSR. As a result of the economic crisis which started in 2008,
companies within the European Union are confronted with a "resonator"
gridlocked in excessive debts, sluggish structural growth and high
unemployment. With "Europe 2020 – A strategy for smart, sustainable and
integrative growth" the European Commission hopes to inspire the vision of a
social market economy for the 21st century.
Learning targets
� Become familiar with relevant sociopolitical framework conditions for the
economy in the European Union
� Gather basic knowledge of the economic policies in the EU
� Be able to discuss the role of CSR within the context of economic policies
CSR learning contents
In the so-called Lisbon strategy, the heads of state and government of the European
Union formulated the strategic goal in 2000 "to make the Union the most competitive
and dynamic knowledge-based economic area in the world - an economic area
capable of achieving permanent economic growth with more and better work places
and a greater social cohesion" within the next ten years. Within this context, the
European Commission also compiled a Green Paper on Corporate Social
Responsibility in 2001.
"Europe 2020 – A strategy for smart, sustainable and integrative growth" is tied in as
"Governmental declaration" with the Lisbon strategy that expired in 2010. With its
goals, the strategy is setting new accents within the meaning of CSR. It strives to
realise the sustainability triad of economic success, social cohesion and ecological
responsibility. Because, in the opinion of the EU Commission, the growth priorities at
the heart of "Europe 2020" are mutually amplifying one another: smart growth,
sustainable growth and integrative growth.
The following insight into the political growth priorities of the EU summarises the
essential framework conditions in European societies.
The project "InnoTrain CSR" is organized by GILDE GmbH and has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 12/2010
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