New IMD research 2025
Lead the Change
Driving sustainable business transformation in Europe
The urgency to push past challenges to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe has never been greater.
IMD and Capgemini Invent launched an extensive research initiative to delve into the complexities of how businesses are transforming in the name of sustainability.
This white paper zeroes in on the insights drawn from leading European businesses as they navigate their sustainability journey.
Ambition vs action
82%
of companies have set net-zero targets
<50%
feel confident to achieve targets on time
Less than half of the European companies we surveyed are confident they will meet their net-zero targets on time. Businesses are struggling to translate ambition into meaningful action.
Five major roadblocks to sustainable transformation
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Our research identified five organizational pain points preventing companies from fully operationalizing their sustainability strategies.
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These five internal roadblocks impact the speed and effectiveness of sustainable business transformation.
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By addressing these internal challenges, companies cannot only move faster, but also position themselves to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.Â
The Sustainable Business Transformation Framework
We’ve developed a two-pronged approach to guide organizations toward successful business transformation.
The framework builds a roadmap for companies at various stages of transformation.
The first step is to establish a strong base through the foundational drivers, ensuring that core elements such as strategy, leadership, and organizational alignment are in place to support sustainable growth.
Once this groundwork is set, companies can accelerate their transformation through the transformational accelerators, which focus on three critical levers: innovation, digital leverage, and ecosystem play. These accelerators enable businesses to scale their sustainability efforts, drive innovation, and harness the power of technology and external partnerships to create long-lasting impact.
This twin approach equips companies to not only keep up, but to lead in a future shaped by sustainability.
Company cases
A broad spectrum of EU/EAA industries
91 senior executives
57 companies
11 industries
Leading the change will be about setting new standards that others aspire to follow, where environmental and social impact are as integral to success as profit and market share.
Business leaders who manage their sustainability transformation will endure, but those who drive it will lead organizations that emerge stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for long-term success.
Forward-thinking companies achieve competitive edge by embedding sustainability into their DNA.
Download the white paper
A snapshot of where businesses stand today, and a glimpse into how they are positioning themselves for the future, where sustainability is no longer a side conversation but a strategic priority.
Learn with IMD
Executive programs in sustainable business
IMD offers a suite of executive programs designed to expand capabilities in key areas of sustainable transformation. From ESG reporting to circular economy innovation, courageous leadership, driving sustainability from the boardroom, and integrating sustainability into business strategy, these programs empower you to stay at the forefront of the dynamically changing landscape of business sustainability.
Our sustainable business programs don’t focus on sustainability as an add-on; they offer an integrated approach that transforms it into a strategic advantage. You’ll learn how to develop a comprehensive business strategy that meets the evolving expectations of investors, consumers, and employees, while ensuring your business remains agile, future-ready, and positioned to thrive.
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IMD Center for Sustainable and Inclusive Business
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