Most businesses now understand that their sustained global success depends upon the economic, social and ecological contexts in which they operate. The problem is, the stability of those contexts can no longer be taken for granted: the physical environment is becoming increasingly unpredictable; our interconnected global economy is altering social conditions; and technological innovation is transforming the nature of both consumption and production. As a result, corporate sustainability has evolved significantly, and now involves addressing critical business issues involving a complex network of strategic relationships and activities. The authors show how companies like Intel, BASF, Walmart and Stonyfield are partnering with other organizations-including Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund-to find solutions to sustainability challenges in their communities.

This is an MIT Sloan Management Review article. In the 2014 Sustainability Report, new research by MIT Sloan Management Review, The Boston Consulting Group and the UN Global Compact, shows that a growing number of companies are turning to collaborations -with suppliers, NGOs, industry alliances, governments, even competitors -to become more sustainable. Our research found that as sustainability issues become increasingly complex, global in nature and pivotal to success, companies are realizing that they can't make the necessary impact acting alone.. Authors: MIT Sloan Management Review, The Boston Consulting Group and the United Nations Global Compact.