What is Corporate Social Responsibility? - InnoTrain CSR

Simple steps to build your CSR strategy
8.7. CSR in regional networks
In short
Companies and communities are facing similar and in part common challenges
at their location which have a significant impact on the sustainability of a
region. This concerns for example the attractiveness of the location for
qualified workers, professional perspectives for young adults or amenities for
families. Organised in regional networks, companies can pool their Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), allowing them to contribute to structural solutions
in the region aside from pursuing their own selective and project-related CSR
measures. Especially small enterprises stand to benefit much more on location
when working jointly in networks. Different initiatives can represent good
options for these enterprises to participate effectively in CSR and to contribute
their own entrepreneurial power to the sustainable regional development with
manageable expenses.
Learning targets
� Get to know the potential of regional networks for structural solutions in a
specific region based on a practical example
CSR learning contents
Companies and the region stand to benefit jointly if corporate networks work to
resolve social challenges, develop new ideas and implement specific actions.
Because the companies in the region, irrespective of the industry they are in and their
size are familiar with the social environment at the location and often have innovative
ideas on how social problems can be creatively and effectively resolved in an
entrepreneurial spirit.
Regional networks for sustainable development and CSR bundle the resources of
their members to develop regional sustainability topics, including in collaboration with
partners from other industries. In doing so, networks are capable of establishing new
structures allowing the long-term execution of cooperative projects. A strong network
can also enable particularly smaller enterprises and one-man operations to
participate in CSR measures. Aside from business contacts which are relevant for
one's own company in the cooperation of several enterprises, a well organised
network is capable of increasing the effect of public relations and the political
influence for positive changes in the region several times over.
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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