How would you manage a situation where stakeholders have differing views on what sustainability means in R&D?

One thing I've found helpful is collaboration with both parties (stake holders - private/ public or private/private partnerships) . If one party has clear objective and set goals. Then, this party needs to dentify how it can bring the other party on board with mutual alignment and use of resources to ultimately acheive the set goals. This result in dual benefits for both parties.

A strong road map with end point in mind always helps. Whenever conflicts arises the documented roadmap acts is the good place to go, align back and understand the end result we seek to reach. Conflicts sometimes opens up space for creative alternatives. I would deploy some bridging to diplomatically blend both the sides. At certain times considering both extremes may hold potential to enhance our end result.

In my experience with divergent views on sustainability in R&D, cultural dimensions are crucial. I saw European teams prioritize long-term environmental impact, while Asian colleagues focused on immediate social issues. A "cultural mapping" exercise, where stakeholders shared their sustainability contexts, led to more globally applicable goals. Involving cultural experts provided insights for cross-cultural resonance in R&D. I learned that true sustainability is inherently innovative, and innovation must be sustainable. This guided teams towards transformative, responsible solutions. This approach, linking sustainability and innovation, led to resilient products and stronger stakeholder relationships.

Before setting objectives, it's important to simplify the context, map out the key issues, and translate them while considering the realities of each stakeholder. This allows the formulation of a common problem, from which collective objectives can be defined. In case of disagreement, a deliberation mechanism should be chosen collectively. There are several collective intelligence tools available for this purpose.

Sustainability definition is clear if the sources where you check it are reliable. There should not be differences of interpretation and all the stakeholders should work towards the same objective. In case there would be a difference, probably it would be due to a lack of education on this field. I consider education in this is the best investment a company can do, to make all the stakeholders understand there is no way out of sustainability. It is our responsability as citizens.

I would initiate a facilitated workshop to develop shared goals and definitions. The focus would be on integrating all relevant economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions and establishing measurable criteria that align with the company's objectives and stakeholder interests. Transparent communication and clear guidelines are the foundation for long-term agreement and sustainable innovation.

Since the view of how to gain the goals in sustainability differ from person to person, an open fact-based dialogue is probably (often?) a clever and empathic strategy. And to listen...

En nuestra empresa formamos un comité de Innovación multidisciplinario, donde uno de los integrantes siempre es la Jefa de sostenibilidad, de modo de asegurarse que cada proyecto que se impulsa tenga un enfoque de triple impacto. En tu empresa tienes comité de innovación y jefatura de sostenibilidad?

In my experience, the R&D manager plays a pivotal role in implementing sustainability strategies. Beyond technical expertise, today's R&D leader needs a holistic vision transcending traditional boundaries. I've seen R&D managers act as 'sustainability translators', bridging technical innovation and sustainability goals. They collaborate closely with Sustainability Managers throughout the R&D process. Their key skill is reframing technical challenges through a sustainability lens, inspiring teams to view sustainability as an innovation driver. This often leads to breakthroughs both technically advanced and environmentally responsible. This integrated perspective makes sustainability a core element of innovation, not an afterthought.