Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity

The Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity course, offered by Università Bocconi through Coursera, is an in-depth online program designed to help learners grasp how organizations can create value while addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges outlined in the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Led by instructor Maurizio Zollo, this intermediate-level course explores the business opportunities in sustainability, the stakeholder-based view of firms, and strategies for integrating sustainability into corporate operations. With over 56,000 enrollments, it requires approximately 20 hours over six modules and is suitable for professionals, managers, and students interested in business ethics, ESG factors, and sustainable enterprise models.

Core Content

The curriculum is divided into six modules that progressively build understanding of corporate sustainability. It begins with an introduction to global sustainability challenges, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, industrial ecology, and inequalities, using simulations like the Fishbank to illustrate short-termism's consequences. Subsequent modules define sustainable enterprises, debate shareholder versus stakeholder primacy, and explore dimensions like corporate governance, ethics, and responsible leadership. The business case for sustainability is examined through social impact, employee preferences, social enterprises, impact investing, and circular economy examples such as Aquafil. Learners then address managing transitions, integrating sustainability into strategy, supply chains, HR, marketing, and innovation. The final modules focus on developing roadmaps for individual, organizational, and systemic change, culminating in a peer-reviewed essay.

Key Skills

Participants develop competencies in analyzing organizational evolution toward sustainable models, evaluating the business case for sustainability, and managing transformational changes across business functions. The course builds abilities in stakeholder management, systems thinking, business ethics, and integrating ESG into strategy, governance, and operations. Learners gain practical skills in assessing risks, designing sustainability roadmaps, and applying tools like meditation for mindset development, enabling them to drive ethical, innovative, and resilient business practices.

Target Learners

This program is tailored for managers, executives, consultants, and students in business, economics, or related fields who seek to understand and implement sustainable strategies without advanced prerequisites. It is particularly valuable for those in corporate strategy, ethics, or sustainability roles aiming to balance profit with societal impact.

Learning Format

Delivered fully online via Coursera, the course spans six modules with flexible, self-paced access to video lectures, readings, assignments, quizzes, and discussion prompts. It includes five graded assignments and a peer-reviewed final essay, with options to audit for free or pay for a certificate (typically around $49) to earn a shareable credential. Subtitles are available in multiple languages for global accessibility.

Additional Benefits

Graduates receive a certificate from Università Bocconi, enhancing LinkedIn profiles and career prospects in sustainable business and ESG fields. The course fosters a global community through discussions and provides lifelong access to materials for ongoing application in professional settings.

Browse more ESG courses and certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.