This theme applies the analytic tools which are the focus of the Sustainable Systems theme and the sustainability concepts explored in the Social Research on Sustainability theme to develop specific approaches for corporate strategy and governance and public policy. The emphasis is on bringing the latest research to bear in developing practical approaches to support decision makers and policy analysts confronted with complex issues. At international, national and sectoral levels, these issues include mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. At the corporate level, this means helping companies to develop positive responses to changing demands from both regulators and the public. This is one of the areas in which the existing EngD programme has already proved itself to be an effective vehicle for active collaboration. Specific topics include:

• Innovation and regulation for sustainable development
• Managing low carbon transitions
• International climate policy and developing countries
• Business response/strategy towards climate change adaptation
• Policies for sustainable consumption and behaviour change
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability accounting
• Community-based social change and 'new' social movements
• International Development priorities and practices
• Regional development and the role of devolved government

Projects in this research theme

Current PhD research projects