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  • November 2017
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Passion and Strategy: Novozymes' Embrace of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

By: Andy Zelleke and Emilie Billaud
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:35
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Abstract

This case explores the sustainability efforts at Novozymes, the world's largest and oldest producer of industrial enzymes. In 2015, the Danish company became the world’s first company known to have crafted a new corporate strategy based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since then, the company used the SDGs as a lens to screen products, business models, and partnerships, and it prioritized innovation decisions that could deliver extraordinary societal and business impact. This case study asks students to evaluate the success of those efforts and to outline what the company should do going forward.

Keywords

Corporate Governance; Transformation; Environmental Sustainability; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Mission and Purpose; Business and Shareholder Relations; Business and Stakeholder Relations; Business Strategy; Organizational Culture; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Biotechnology Industry; Europe; Denmark

Citation

Zelleke, Andy, and Emilie Billaud. "Passion and Strategy: Novozymes' Embrace of the UN Sustainable Development Goals." Harvard Business School Case 318-088, November 2017.
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About The Author

Andy Zelleke

General Management
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More from the Authors
  • Mirakl: Growing The Marketplace Economy By: Antonio Moreno, Santiago Gallino and Emilie Billaud
  • Doing Business in Kigali, Rwanda By: Andy Zelleke, A. Zelleke, Leonard A. Schlesinger, Leonard A. Schlesinger, Pippa Tubman Armerding and Wale Lawal
  • Doing Business in Athens, Greece By: Alan D. MacCormack, Carlota Moniz and Emilie Billaud
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