The International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) past, present, and future: critical reflections and a research agenda
ISSN: 0114-0582
Article publication date: 13 May 2024
Issue publication date: 30 May 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically reflect on the formation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), its current agenda and likely future direction. The authors consider the relationships between the ISSB and other standard setters, regulators, practitioners and stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review and critically analyse academic and practitioner publications alongside the ISSB’s workplans to identify the themes impacting the future of the ISSB and to develop a research agenda.
Findings
Three key themes emerge from the authors’ analysis that are likely to influence the future of the ISSB: the jurisdiction and scope of the ISSB – how far its influence is likely to extend, both geographically and conceptually; the ongoing legitimacy challenge the ISSB is facing in terms of setting an agenda for sustainability reporting; and the “capture” of sustainability reporting by influential stakeholders including capital providers.
Originality/value
The formation of the ISSB is critical to the future of sustainability reporting. The authors provide a comprehensive and topical overview of the past, present and potential future of the ISSB, highlighting the need for further research and providing a research agenda that addresses outstanding questions in the field.
Keywords
Citation
de Villiers, C., Dimes, R., La Torre, M. and Molinari, M. (2024), "The International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) past, present, and future: critical reflections and a research agenda", Pacific Accounting Review, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 255-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/PAR-02-2024-0038
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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