Towards a greater understanding of the changing role of business in society

The aim of the conference, in particular, is to discuss the main outcomes of four research projects funded under the European Union sixth Research Framework Programme (FP6) with various stakeholders, such as enterprises, interest groups, civil society organisations, academics and policy makers in order to explore the practical implications of the research done. Moreover, the conference will also serve as a reflection forum on the most relevant issues that should be taken up by future research in order to better understand the evolving role of business in society and its implications.
One of the bases for discussions will be a Policy Review on Corporate Social Responsibility which was prepared by a CSR specialist Albert Schram from University of Maastricht. In this review, research conclusions are presented in the context of CSR policy at the EU level, as well as in the light of different developments and ongoing discussions related to the role of business in society. Apart from the research dimension, the conference will take up a discussion on three issues crucial for understanding better the changing role of business in society, especially in the context of the financial and economic crisis.

These topics include:

• new governance structures and relationship between enterprises and the state,
• the crisis of trust and its implications for sustainable economic development and social and political stability, and
• Corporate Social Responsibility in a globalised economy.