Introduction: How Multinational Enterprises Can Contribute to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

In spite of the outstanding efforts of the United Nations, the poverty alleviation targets outlined in Millennium Development Goals have not been fully achieved. The further need for improving the living standard of the world population led to the introduction of a new set of revised and expanded Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. The private business and especially large multinational enterprises (MNEs) are playing a significant role in the implementation of the sustainable development program. However, in spite of decades of research, the mechanisms through which MNEs can contribute to host country economic development are still not fully understood. Furthermore, the role of local government and its possibilities to influence MNEs’ activities have not received sufficient attention. The aim of the MNEmerge project was to develop and test the framework for an analysis of the contribution of MNEs to sustainable development agenda. Specific attention is placed on the formation of linkages between subsidiary and local stakeholders such as society, business, and government. The chapters in this book outline the findings of the project and provide recommendations and implications for policy makers.

Citation

Väätänen, J. and Teplov, R. (2017), "Introduction: How Multinational Enterprises Can Contribute to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals", International Business & Management (International Business and Management, Vol. 33), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-066X20170000033001