“Applied research that draws on a relevant theoretical perspectives and empirical findings is what characterises evidence-based decision-making: crucial factor for sustainable development. The Centre for Sustainable Business at SSE Riga, in close collaboration with partners, aims to raise awareness, explore, advise and implement activities targeted to the sustainable development of the Baltic region and beyond. We focus on today but act for the long term, which means linking sustainable development with sustainable activities that bring no harm to the environment we all live in,” states Director of the Centre Arnis Sauka.

Mission 

The aim of the Centre for Sustainable Business at SSE Riga is to foster a discussion in the business community as well as in society in general on sustainability on all its dimensions

To raise the awareness about the importance of sustainability, the Centre for Sustainable Business, in cooperation with its partners, provides research studies, publications, teaching, training, and contributes actively to public debates. The Centre was founded in 2012 and its activities covers Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Education

The Centre is in charge of the course Business Ethics and Sustainability at the undergraduate level at SSE Riga.

The course is also offered in other institutions such as Sciences Po Lille (France). Also, the Centre is engaged in a process for developing courses within SSE Riga as well as content and pedagogical resources with partner universities. The objective is to train future generations of economic, social and political leaders to sustainable and ethical business.

Research

The Centre carries on research on various fronts.

First of all, to understand the business environment in terms of sustainable (as well as unsustainable) business practices, there is a need to undertake research that is applied to the Baltic context. The Centre also undertakes research in relation to the economics, politics and ethics of climate change. Since one of the most serious and pressing challenge to socioeconomic development stems from man-gauged climate change and resources depletion, one of the missions of the Centre is to investigate the economic, political and ethical dimensions of this looming threat. The research activities include articles, public lectures, collaborative projects with other European institutions, organization of workshops and conferences on the topic related to sustainability.

Examples of research areas include the waste of human, energy, and environmental resources, unjust and openly illicit business practices (e.g. corruption and shadow economy activities), governance, tax related behaviour, sponsorship and corporate citizenship, and corporate social responsibility (taking a stance and acting upon it).

The research has resulted in empirical findings, regularities and trends that form the basis for the Centre’s various activities, including involvement in the policy debate.

Events

An integral part of the Centre’s activities is to raise awareness of sustainable business.

This includes an active communication both with policy makers, industry and wider audience involving events such as conferences, open lectures and seminars, workshops, guest lectures, roundtables, and media activities.