SFL Center Vice-Director Beatrice Crona and Caroline Flammers at Columbia University.
Ylva Forsberg, analyst at Nordic Credit Rating AS, what are your thoughts on the SFL Partner Day?
“This is the second year we are joining, and I think it is a very interesting event. As industry players, it gives us a chance to get insight into recent research in the field in a relatively non-technical and understandable manner. I also find it a great opportunity to network with other partners and hear their thoughts on current topics, talk to researchers we are already working with, get updates, and meet more of the SFL-affiliated researchers. I hope that we were also able to give something useful back in these discussions.”
What are your main takeaways?
“A general reflection is how, in particular, Caroline Flemming’s presentation highlighted how far the concept of sustainable finance has come in just a decade or so. Bob Eccles further highlighted this with his examples of how there are significant investments out there that may not be actively classed as ESG investments, but that certainly seem to fit the criteria for being sustainable. From the perspective of a credit rating analyst, I appreciated getting insight into priorities and struggles from the investor perspective, both from an academic and industry perspective, through the presentations and group discussions, respectively.”
Did you have a chance to network and perhaps meet new contacts for the future?
“Yes, absolutely!“
Karin Reuterskiöld at the consultancy firm Forever Sustainable, what are your thoughts on the SFL Partner Day?
“The SFL Partner Day is a valuable tool for the important ongoing sustainability discussion between academia and practitioners – companies, advisors on sustainability, and many others.“
What are your main takeaways?
“Short-term views hinder the business from doing well and prospering in the long term (Caroline Flammer).
The definition of impact can be much more important than we think from a business view (Joakim Sandberg).
Key challenges and opportunities for sustainable finance are linked, and they must focus on bringing sustainability into business strategy.
And, of course, prof Eccles! Morals and values are the basis for an effective, sustainable finance strategy; governance must have a genuine connection to the business, and states must do more, not just private capital.“
Did you have a chance to network and perhaps meet new contacts for the future?
“Networking was excellent but perhaps not a venue for new contacts. I really enjoyed connecting with old contacts and hearing and learning from them.“
Anything else that you would like to add?
“If you would like to try new ways of presenting, maybe you could involve the audience more. On this occasion, there were a lot of knowledgeable people in the room willing to add to the findings and discussions. The workshop idea was great, but perhaps it could be done more in plenum.“
Kent Eriksson, Director at SFL, what would you highlight from the day?
“I’m delighted to see such evident enthusiasm from the SFL partner side over the SFL research. It seemed as if our partners found our research both interesting and useful. It was also pleasant to meet present partners and that representatives from companies wanting to become partners showed up.“
View SFL Partner Day Program 2024 >
Photos from the Partner Day
