BiGS Research

At the Institute for Business in Global Society (BiGS), we advance rigorous, practice-oriented research at the intersection of business and society. Our projects explore corporate ownership structures, sustainable industrial policy, economic inclusion, and more. Through collaborations with Harvard Business School (HBS) faculty and global experts, we generate insights that shape leadership and policy.

Explore key initiatives like The Ownership Project, The Green Industrial Strategy Project, and other HBS research efforts dedicated to rethinking capitalism's role in a changing world.

Research Projects

The Green Industrial Strategy Project

A partnership between the Institute for Business in Global Society and the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative, The Green Industrial Strategy Project aims to create a knowledge platform to democratize research and build a community of academics and practitioners focused on the intersection of industry, public policy and decarbonization.

The Green Industrial Strategy Project Details

The Ownership Project

Exploring how structuring ownership of key elements in the economy can help businesses and communities address pressing societal challenges and support human values in the 21st century.

The Ownership Project Details

BiGS Research Topics

  • Climate Change

    Businesses today are increasingly expected to play a leading role in mitigating the worst effects of climate change and in creating a more sustainable economy.

  • Economic Inclusion

    Society is expecting businesses to help involve everyone in the benefits of economic growth.

  • Ethical AI

    As artificial intelligence becomes integral to business operations, it is imperative to understand the technology’s broad potential impact on society.

  • Inequality

    Longstanding inequalities based on race, gender, and other characteristics continue to present serious challenges, both in the workplace and in broader society.

  • Purpose of the Firm

    Companies are increasingly evaluated not just on their financial performance but on their contributions to society.

Business in Global Society at Harvard Business School

  • Business & Environment Initiative

    This initiative brings together more than 40 affiliated faculty members who collectively represent the School's ten units.

  • Entrepreneurship Initiative

    The Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship is a vital resource to HBS students and a champion for entrepreneurship at HBS.

  • Health Care Initiative

    With global health care spending greater than $8.5 trillion, there is no shortage of opportunities to make an impact in this demanding sector.

  • Leadership Initiative

    Leaders have always faced the job of inspiring others while making important decisions with incomplete information.

  • Managing the Future of Work

    Multiple forces of change – demographics, technology, automation, globalization – are coming together at an unprecedented pace and scale. How can leaders prepare their organization and create the workforce of the future?

  • Race, Gender & Equity Initiative

    We catalyze and translate cutting-edge research to transform practice, enable leaders to drive change, and eradicate gender, race, and other forms of inequality in business and society.

  • Social Enterprise Initiative

    We educate, support, and inspire leaders innovative business practices and managerial disciplines to drive sustained, high-impact social change.

  • Working Conditions in Supply Chains

    Providing key managerial insights from research on assessing and improving working conditions in supply chains.

Global Leadership Roundtables

Harnessing business to address society’s greatest challenges.

Explore Insights from Our Roundtables
Action shot at the BiGS SÇŽo Paulo Global Leadership Roundtable in 2023