Translation of WRR business policy report published in Springer series
The title Good Business. Policy to Unlock Companies' Benefit for Society has just been published by Springer. The publication is an adapted English translation of the WRR’s 2023 report Goede zaken. Naar een grotere maatschappelijke bijdrage van ondernemingen.
Shift in government policies for business
Businesses are indispensable when it comes to tackling major challenges in areas such as climate, health, the labour market, and future productivity. But the full potential of their ingenuity remains untapped. All too often, government agencies shield established businesses, which stifles their proactivity and their drive towards innovation. They can also be slow to recognise the complex realities that businesses face. The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) therefore advocates a major shift in government policies for business: from pampering to challenging and motivating. The business community doesn’t need protecting; what it does need is the freedom to operate and a clear understanding of its situation. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that companies have a positive impact on society through their business practices. With this objective in mind, this WRR report makes valuable recommendations to the Dutch government that are also highly relevant to government agencies in other countries.
Springer Series: Research for Policy
This series features internationally relevant studies by the WRR. After all, many issues facing the Netherlands do not stop at its borders. WRR publications aim to reformulate policy objectives and open new perspectives, grounded in scientific research and analysis. With the Research for Policy series, the WRR seeks to enrich public debate abroad.
The new publication Good Business. Policy to Unlock Companies' Benefit for Society is available free of charge on Springer’s website or can be purchased as a deluxe hardcover edition.