Mapping and Conceptualizing Of EU–CSR & Sustainability Action Platform in India

Project Overview

Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) in partnership with the European Union (EU) Delegation to India has commenced a pilot study on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure patterns of EU Companies operating in India and their contributions towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this country. The EU is the largest trading partner in India with a total trade value in goods (import and export) of over USD 80 billion in 2019. The EU’s share in foreign investment inflows to India more than doubled from 8% to 18% in the last decade, making the EU the first foreign investor in India. More than 6,000 EU companies are established in India, providing directly 1.7 million jobs and indirectly 5 million jobs in a broad range of sectors. Hence trade and sustainable development (TSD) is an important issue for the EU in its overall trade-related policy and practice. Moreover, the ‘EU-India Strategic Partnership 2020-25’ underlines greater cooperation by both Parties on sustainable development.

Objectives

To map and assess the contribution of EU companies’ CSR and Sustainability initiatives and their impact in India,
To design a platform for EU companies to collaborate, facilitate and leverage experiences on Sustainability and CSR.

Anticipated Outcomes

Increased Trade Relations between EU and India
A B2B platform where both EU and Indian businesses can interact as well as showcase their work on CSR and SDG and build a network
A platform where the businesses can seek assistance from the European Union

Research Report

The final report on Mapping and Conceptualizing Of EU–CSR & Sustainability Action Platform in India along with the findings and recommendations from the research study was launched on 29th June 2022. Please read executive summary

Executive Summary

The European Union (EU) is one of India’s three largest trading partner, accounting for €72 billion worth of trade in goods (2019-20) and €28 billion trade in services (calendar year 2020). There are about 4,500 EU businesses that are currently operational in India, creating 1.5 million direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs. EU and India are not only important trade and investment partners, but have over the years strengthened cooperation to promote sustainable development. The EU India Roadmap 2025 adopted by both countries mid-2020 supports and guides this process…read more

Events

Stakeholder Meetings & Event
Individual Stakeholder meetings got underway with the officials of a number of EU Companies that operate in India and have participated in the survey. On 14th September 2021, a roundtable stakeholder meeting was organised which included these core businesses, civil society organisations, academia, think tanks, international organisations, representatives from the Indian Government, EU Delegates and many more.
Report Launch
The final report on Mapping and Conceptualizing Of EU–CSR & Sustainability Action Platform in India along with the findings and recommendations from the research study was launched on 29th June 2022
ISS 2021 Session
A panel discussion was conducted at ISS 2021. You can watch the full discussion here also read the summary of the session here.