Fujitsu’s 2024 SX Survey highlights a critical gap in sustainability efforts. While most organisations recognise the urgency of Sustainability Transformation (SX), few achieve tangible results. However, a distinct group, the “Change Makers,” demonstrate how data-centric collaboration can drive both environmental benefits and business value.
Here’s what Change Makers are doing differently:
The defining difference
The most significant difference lies in outcomes. A staggering 81% of Change Makers have delivered tangible results from their sustainability strategies, more than four times the proportion achieved by other organisations (19%). This impressive success rate underscores their effective approach to SX.
The difference is a more holistic, long-term vision. Unlike mainstream organisations primarily motivated by financial gains, such as attracting investment, Change makers prioritise making a positive impact on the planet and society.
This focus on the “greater good” significantly alters strategic priorities. Change makers can overcome perceived barriers like high investment costs and poor ROI, which often stall sustainability initiatives in the early planning stages.
Harnessing insights for change
Put simply, Change Makers exhibit superior data maturity. This means they are more skilled at gathering and analysing data from multiple sources to supercharge sustainability efforts. Fujitsu’s study found that 44% of Change Makers use interconnected data and advanced technology to simulate future scenarios, compared to only 12% of other organisations.
Sharing for shared value
Collaboration is deeply ingrained in the Change Maker approach. They are significantly more likely to engage in data-centric partnerships, both within and across industries. Collaboration extends outside corporate boundaries.
A quarter of Change Makers (25%) participate in highly collaborative ecosystems, enabling resource and data sharing to create shared value around sustainability, a stark contrast to the 6% of other organisations achieving this level of partnership.
Superior business performance
For most businesses, realising that the Change Makers’ commitment to sustainability translates into superior business performance should be a wake-up call. Change Makers are more likely to report increased revenue and profitability. There is a direct link between their sustainability initiatives and business growth (65% versus 48% for other organisations).
This demonstrates that prioritising sustainability is not just ethical but also strategically beneficial.
Confidence in achieving sustainability goals
Change Makers display greater confidence in their sustainability trajectory. Fully 100% of Change Makers are confident they will meet their sustainability objectives on time, whereas just 62% of organisations overall feel the same.
This confidence reflects their effective strategies and data-driven decision-making. All while increasing revenue and profitability along the way.
Focus on key motivations
While most organisations are keen on the financial upsides of sustainability, Change Makers prioritise the chance to positively impact society and protect the environment. Indeed, 60% focus on making a positive impact on society, and 54% on reducing the impact on the planet – driving business growth is relegated to fourth place in their list of priorities.
What next?
Becoming a Change Maker doesn’t just happen – it is achieved through a combination of culture and technology. To learn more about how your business can strike the right balance – and reap the rewards – please get in touch.