MIP becomes a B Corp. An acknowledgement of our commitment to sustainability

One of the most beautiful and inspiring phrases I have ever heard is: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. It was uttered by Mahatma Gandhi, an extraordinary man who managed to change the world indeed, without relying on any special resources other than his own will. Of course, Gandhi was one of the greatest characters in history, but we must avoid the pitfall of considering him too high an example, impossible to emulate in our everyday life. On the contrary, I am convinced that our daily work can also contribute to the “struggle” to build a better world. This is why I was most happy to learn that MIP Politecnico di Milano has become a Certified B Corp, thus entering that circle of companies with a recognised focus on sustainability and a tangible commitment to working every day to help build a better society for all.

Perhaps not everyone knows what this is all about. B Corps are part of an international community of companies that someone has redefined as “the fourth state of the world economy”, as they combine their quest for profit with both the pursuit of people’s well-being and concern for the environment and society at large, realising that economic issues walk hand in hand with social issues. B Corps are, according to their official definition, businesses that “continuously innovate to maximise their positive impact on employees, the communities in which they operate, the environment and all stakeholders”. Of course, becoming a Certified B Corp is no easy task (there are around 3,400 worldwide, with about one hundred of them based in Italy). Businesses seeking certification are required to undergo a strict test assessing the governance model, attention to people, links with the social context and respect for the environment. But when it eventually comes through, it serves as tangible proof of the positive impact that one's actions are having on the future of the world.

Learning of this certification has filled me and all my colleagues at MIP and the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano with pride, for a whole range of reasons. The first, and most obvious, is that we are the only European business school to receive this recognition. The second reason is related to the time we are going through, filled with so much uncertainty. Indeed, having one’s contribution to a more sustainable future recognised at a time when the world is still facing an unprecedented health emergency and debates about the development models that brought it on, takes on even greater significance.

But there is also a third reason, which is of particular importance to us. At MIP, issues such as social responsibility, sustainability and inclusiveness are not only addressed but also taught. What's more, they are at the heart of the philosophy we endeavour to pass on to our students, they act as a compass guiding our choices. We believe that every business plays a key role in building a better future for everyone and the very idea of business should be revisited according to the role that each business plays and sets out to play in society. Professionals know this, but so do consumers who increasingly choose companies also on the basis of their social commitment. This is why we believe that education will be crucial in training managers capable of picking up this challenge.

After all, the inclusion of MIP in the Italian B Corp community is tangible proof that sustainability, in all its aspects, is not just a word that has a nice sound to it, but a real value underpinning our daily work. Today and, more importantly, tomorrow.