Stakeholder Trends and Insights

Future 500 Reveals Latest Stakeholders Engagement Trends

Stakeholder engagement non-profit Future 500 has released its annual Top 10 Stakeholder Engagement Trends report for 2017.

By Sustainable Brands | Published 7 years ago | About a 2 minute read

Stakeholder engagement non-profit Future 500 has released its annual Top 10 Stakeholder Engagement Trends report for 2017. The report compiles careful monitoring and analysis of current events, combined with feedback from Future 500’s diverse stakeholder network, to make projections and suggestions in environmental, economic and social trends shaping business and advocacy in the coming year.

In 2016, the Future 500 team anticipated greater corporate involvement in global climate politics, more inclusivity in environmental discussions and stakeholder-driven transparency in consumer products. Many of these trends proved accurate with COP21 implementation, civil rights movements claiming a stake in conservation efforts and technology-assisted monitoring in oceans and water infrastructure.

Despite the changes to the political landscape, challenges for corporate advocacy leaders remain clear. Future 500’s 2017 report shows how effective, proactive stakeholder engagement is more important than ever in advancing systemic change.

“Our goal is to provide a ‘field guide’ for corporations and NGOs to navigate an ever-changing stakeholder landscape,” said Future 500 CEO Bill Shireman.

Top insights revealed in this study include:

Taking advantage of localized climate and conservation efforts.
Addressing elevated calls for social equity and just transition.
Bracing for more and varied obstruction tactics, including litigation and lobbying.
Driving private sector collaboration in environmental advocacy.
Identifying market opportunities in federal gridlock.

Shireman said the future of politics is uncertain, but environmental challenges haven’t changed.

“The mission for leaders in business and advocacy is clear: Collaborate, and commit resources and influence to build bridges to a healthy economy and a healthy environment.”

The report can be read in full on the Future 500 website.