We explore new ways for the private sector to lead
in overcoming some of society’s biggest challenges

 
 

We research and explore the essential
values, principles and strategies
of responsible business

 
 

We collaborate with senior leaders
and the business community
to drive systemic change

Who We Are

High Meadows Institute is a Boston-based think tank and policy institute focused on the role of business leadership in creating a sustainable society.

Who we are

We are a Boston-based policy institute focused on strengthening the role of business leadership in creating a sustainable society.

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Our work

We conduct research, lead programs and develop frameworks to increase private sector contribution in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

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Programs

Three key challenges in today’s global economic system underpin our work. Find out more about these challenges and how we are working to address them.

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Financial Times Moral Money Forum

In partnership with High Meadows Institute

Can carbon markets accelerate progress towards net zero?

Carbon markets have long been a minefield for corporate climate strategy, with a lack of regulation and standards leading to accusations of “greenwashing” and ineffective offset schemes failing to reduce atmospheric carbon. But while cutting emissions is vital to addressing the climate crisis, there is huge potential for carbon pricing to play a crucial role in achieving net zero, if it can reach scale across all economic sectors.

The second report of 2023 explores the innovations spurring the growth of carbon markets and transforming incentives for companies and cautions that the path to net zero remains far from clear.

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So you think you know your supply chain?

For all the sophistication of our international supply chains, forced labor and other forms of worker abuse remain all too common in today’s global economy. After decades of risk with no silver bullet solution, growing pressure from consumers, activists, and investors is forcing companies to take these human rights issues seriously. As the data deficit begins to shrink, it will prove increasingly difficult for abusers of workers — and the companies they supply — to dodge the consequences.

The first report of 2023 explores the new regulations and technologies that are working to combat supply chain abuses and the important role that stakeholders have to play.

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Our Most Recent Projects and Resources

ESG Reporting Standards and Frameworks Tracker

ESG reporting standards and frameworks are a constantly evolving space. Explore the development of ESG frameworks over time and track recent updates in the ESG reporting landscape.

The Future of Capital Markets Project

The Future of Capital Markets Project commissions research and leads initiatives working on the challenge of developing principles and practices to support a sustainable capital market system.

Beyond ESG: The Role for Business in Collaborative Governance

Beyond ESG brings together corporate leaders and partners to explore the role for the private sector in 21st century governance.

Corporate Responsibility Research Project

The Corporate Responsibility Research Project is a three-year program designed to help chart the path forward for corporate responsibility and leadership in 21st century society.

Our Most Recent Publications

Business Leadership in Public-Private Partnerships for Public Benefit
Financing a Low-Carbon Economy: An Investor's Guide to Leveraging Transition and Net-Zero Financing Strategies
Sustainability in Capital Markets: ESG Integration and Impact
21st Century Business Leadership and the Rise of Corporate Activism

Our Most Recent News and Briefings

Blog

System change investing – A new approach to ESG

ESG strategies are flawed because they ask companies to voluntarily stop causing harm, while operating within systems that reward harmful behavior. Allison Kostka discusses how taking a systems-level approach to investing can drive broader positive systemic change.

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Blog

Should AI be an ESG priority?

The current rapid and unregulated growth of AI has given rise to increased concern over potential ethical issues. High Meadows Institute President & CEO Chris Pinney discusses the potential impact of AI on ESG and the need for responsible oversight.

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Blog

Disney, Bud Light and Corporate Activism

When it comes to corporate activism, some companies are more willing than others to take a stand. Allison Kostka explores the challenges of both speaking out and staying silent and the importance of having a corporate strategy.

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Blog

Achieving Net Zero Goals – Time to Focus on the Human Capital Challenge

Is human capital development the key to the net zero transition? President & CEO Chris Pinney discusses the urgent need to address the "green" skills gap to meet the growing demand for clean energy jobs.

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Publications from Our Fellows

Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory: Investing That Matters

Jon Lukomnik and James P. Hawley offer a bold critique of Modern Portfolio Theory and propose a new imperative to improve finance’s ability to fulfill its twin main purposes: providing adequate returns to individuals and directing capital to where it is needed in the economy.

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21st Century Investing: Redirecting Financial Strategies to Drive Systems Change 

William Burckart and Steve Lydenberg explore how investment has evolved since the 20th century and how institutions and individuals can go beyond conventional and sustainable investing to address complex problems such as income inequality and climate change on a deep, systemic level.

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