ESG

The rapid acceleration of digital transformation is reshaping economies and redefining how governments approach responsible, sustainable growth, and competitiveness. Across West Asia, countries pursuing ambitious economic diversification strategies under initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are investing billions in artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, and advanced technologies.

Companies with a serious commitment to social impact can be designated as such by state governments and/or certified by B-Lab, a global NGO. Those that do both are not just seeking twice the acclaim; their redoubled commitment is measurable using AI-assisted quality frameworks employed by David Lucas, a management professor at George Mason University.

When crowdfunding platform Kickstarter started allowing creators to put environmental pledges front and center, George Mason University accounting professor Yi Cao saw a unique opportunity. His co-authored research shows how “going green” turned out to be an impactful business choice with financial, operational and, yes, environmental implications for entrepreneurs and customers.

The best way to resolve a consumer’s doubts about electric cars is to let them drive one for a day or two. But Ioannis Bellos and Hang Ren, professors in the information systems and operations management area at George Mason University, argue that extended test drives can sometimes do more harm than good, for both profits and the planet.

Legalized gambling can bring in significant economic rewards from tax revenue and job creation. But at what cost to society? The states that legalized online sports betting saw a 3.1 percent increase in suicide rates, according to research co-authored by Brad Greenwood, professor of information systems and operations management.

Saudi Arabia is not just "going green”—the Kingdom is rebuilding its economy around sustainability.

Management professor Kevin Rockmann’s research concerns the often-ignored, multifaceted value of workplace relationships. In a recent executive education course at Costello College of Business, Rockmann put his findings into action, with strongly positive results for a leading company.

In-process work by Jingyuan Yang, a professor of information systems and operations management at George Mason University, suggests that downward redistribution of high-value opportunities can increase performance outcomes as well as fairness.

To please both the planet and shareholders at the same time, firms must travel a triangular path.

Air quality standards do more than reduce pollution for noncompliant counties; they increase the cost of funding public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads.

Illicit massage businesses (IMBs) run by human trafficking rings are rampant in the United States. A George Mason professor has helped build what may be the best AI-driven tool to root them out.

It’s one thing to be a force for good behind the scenes. Having consumers reward you for it, however, depends upon a unique combination of elements.