Europe Delivers is a business-led ecosystem bringing together like-minded global leaders to tackle Europe-wide issues that are too big, too complex, and too expensive to tackle alone. The 2022 plan builds on the success of previous years and each partner’s reaffirmed commitment to creating a positive environmental, financial, and social future for Europe.
We are proud to confirm that SAP, one of the world's leading producers of software and a leader in international corporate sustainability efforts, has now joined the partnership.
Christian Klein, CEO of SAP recently discussed with us the software company’s vision and expectations in collaborating towards a more sustainable, equitable and resilient Europe and beyond:
What does good growth mean to you and to SAP?
Good growth is sustainable, and sustainable growth means growth that is repeatable, ethical, and responsible to, and for, current and future generations. No matter their size, region, or industry, companies are increasingly aware that in addition to managing their top and bottom lines, they also need to focus on managing their "green line" to build competitive advantage, lower risk, get ahead of new regulations, gain ground with investors, and adjust to new consumer preferences. What’s important: sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. Thanks to technology, companies can make sustainability profitable and profitability sustainable.
There are many complex problems to solve across Europe, what do you think should be the priority focus now?
If you had asked me that question a few weeks ago, my answer would have been that the world is truly facing the most complex business, social, and environmental challenges we have ever seen – from disruptions in supply chains, rising inequalities, to climate change, to managing waste. We are moving closer to tipping points, and as business leaders, it is our collective responsibility to care about sustainability and equality as much as we care about business success.
Now, with the war in Ukraine, I think our priority needs to be the restoration of peace. An act as inhumane and unjustified as this is an attack on democracy and humanity, and it affects all of us. Like other businesses, we are standing in solidarity with Ukraine: Wherever we can support with our technology, our financial resources, the skills and dedication of our colleagues, and our relationships with other companies, public agencies, and private aid organizations, we will do so. In the aftermath of the acute conflict, we will also have to look at understanding global supply networks from a risk and resilience perspective – for too long have we been complacent and optimized supply networks with a singular focus on efficiency and cost. Digital technologies will play a key role in understanding and mitigating these risks on a global scale to make supply networks sustainable, resilient, and efficient.
If businesses individually do not have the resources or means to tackle these problems individually, how can we unlock better ways of working?
No doubt, every action and every step counts, but we live in an interconnected world that requires all players to think beyond their own four walls and even beyond their direct customers and suppliers. Sustainability and resilience are team sports. No player can do it alone. That is why we need business networks to connect different enterprises across industries, each with their unique strengths, to make a difference for the world. For example, manufacturers can choose suppliers that meet their labor standards or are closest to them to reduce emissions. We are making carbon footprint tracking available in the business network, so that our customers can not only set their “net zero” ambitions but have the insights and tools to truly achieve them. So, by teaming up like this, you can achieve your objectives on carbon emissions, diversity, inclusion, human rights, and resilience.
What excites you about Europe Delivers, its mission and the way we work?
Europe Delivers brings together leaders from companies across a range of industries to address key topics of our time, e.g., how to create resilient supply chains and enable growth while protecting our planet. This is very much in line with our purpose to help the world run better and improve people’s lives, so we are excited to be part of Europe Delivers. I am looking forward to the open exchange, focusing on how to drive tangible actions, and to supporting business transformation initiatives that promote sustainability and resiliency objectives across value chains.
#GOODGROWTH IN 2022
You can learn much more about our coalition’s plan for the year ahead by downloading our 2022 plan, Turning Ideas into Action and Outcomes.
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