Abstract

Although innovation is a key factor for the survival of enterprises, its situation in Spain is still far from the objectives set by the Lisbon Strategy. As a consequence the Spanish public administrations have launched various measures to improve it. Innovation requires acquiring and selecting the best information available, which means mainly using scientific and technical databases, but they are little known in the business environment. The article gives a brief overview of the use of information for innovation in enterprises and comments on the main findings of 2008 Cotec Report

Abstract

The origins, planning, and implementation process for the Valencian Community Social Economy Information Portal (www.ecsocial.com) are described. Details are provided of the methodology used to encourage participation by companies in this business realm. Changes that have taken place during the life of the project are detailed, along with the budget that has made this initiative possible.

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become the central theme of many debates on the role of organizations in society in recent years. The voluntary incorporation of strategies that influence economic profitability and in turn social and environmental issues is already a reality in companies. This article has several aims: (1) to analyse whether CSR is strategic and cross-cutting for companies and whether there exists a true dialogue between companies and stakeholders; (2) to identify the functions, relationships and quality of CSR or sustainability directors; (3) to determine the main challenges for the future; (4) to reflect on the impact that Covid-19 has had on the development of CSR in businesses. The study was based on the Delphi method and employed a sample of 20 experts: 10 academics (lecturers and researchers) and 10 professionals (communication and CSR directors, and CSR and reputation consultants). The results reveal that: (1) with the exception of SMEs, CSR management in companies is strategic and cross-cutting; (2) there is no reciprocal dialogue between companies and stakeholders; (3) the functions carried out by CSR directors can be classified as analytical, strategic, tactical and communicative; (4) the most outstanding qualities of the CSR director are communication skills, deep knowledge of the company and a willingness to work as part of a team; (5) the main challenge for senior management for the future is to be more strategic; (6) Covid-19 has changed the focus in CSR areas of action and in the prioritization of stakeholders. In short, we conclude that CSR management is well rooted in companies and represents a true transformation for businesses as social entities.