Sustainability in global financial reporting and innovation in institutions

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to document the author's keynote address in Accounting at the 16th Annual Conference on Pacific Basin Finance, Economics, Accounting and Management “Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Visions for 2020”, July 3‐4, 2008, Brisbane, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

In keeping with the theme of the Conference, the paper considers two areas – global accounting and financial reporting, and regulation and institutions.

Findings

As business has become more global and financial markets have developed world‐wide, comparable accounting and financial information across countries and companies is a logical step to continue to support and advance business. With this shift, though, the world moves towards a monopoly in accounting standards and standard setting.

Practical implications

The potential costs, problems, and possible solutions need to be considered. Current regulatory environments and institutions offer limited ability to effectively monitor such a monopoly. So innovation must occur.

Originality/value

The paper shows that an infrastructure to support global investor protection and convergence of investor protections and rights can offer such innovation to support and sustain global business.

Citation

Gordon, E.A. (2008), "Sustainability in global financial reporting and innovation in institutions", Accounting Research Journal, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 231-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/10309610810922486