From 2003 to 2007, our first stage of dialogue defined the problem and the second stage produced the common ground to guide market participants on three distinct areas: how to set long-term metrics, how to build communications between long-term oriented companies and investors, and how to reward and provide incentives for managers to think and act for the long-term.

In 2013, the strength of this unusual business-labor-investor coalition enables us to expand understanding of the ways companies and investors support the long-term health of society, to communicate broadly to build awareness and change, and to deepen engagement in policy dialogue. In 2013, we will:

• Conduct outreach: Continue to serve as a resource to companies wishing to better align their compensation, communications and metrics with a long-term perspective.

To date in 2013: We continue development of the Future Financial Leaders Fellowship and anticipate that recruitment of the pilot class will formally begin Q4, with the launch of the fellowship in May 2014.  

• Convene dialogue on business and investor practice: Identify business communication strategies that elevate long-term strategy and metrics, refocus investor analysis on sustainable value creating activity, and provide greater transparency to the market. Convene senior business executives and board members.

To date in 2013: We are developing ideas for future collaboration with a target group of public companies and assets owners to better promote sustainable capitalism and long-term value creation; we anticipate Phase 2 of work to start Spring 2013. Additionally, planning is well-underway for an invitation-only August 2013 dialogue on the future of capitalism with CEOs and board members of global companies. Also during 2013, as part of celebrating the Business & Society Program’s 15th anniversary, several invitation-only salons will be held on topics related to the long-term health of society (with Roger Martin speaking February 20).  

• Influence management thinking: Prompt business schools, professional associations, and other related organizations to challenge old paradigms that reward shareholder-centric, short-term acting behavior and advance new thinking about practices and policy that is multi-stakeholder and long-term oriented.

To date in 2013: We are helping the Kellogg School of Management plan a 1.5 day conference for March 7-8 in Chicagoland, continuing to explore alternate views on the purpose of the business corporation and implications for business and business education. We are also drafting a whitepaper for business school faculty on this topic. Finally, we are nearing completion of the design for the Prize the Future competition and are actively seeking funders to support its implementation.