Conference paper information

How do multinationals address Grand Challenges? Mapping the literature

F.J. Forcadell, E. Aracil, C. Escudero, J.J. Nájera-Sánchez

53rd EBES Conference, Madrid (Spain). 16-18 October 2025

Summary:

This study investigates how Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) engage with Grand Challenges (GC)through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While prior literature has explored MNEs’contributions to grand challenges (GC), there remains limited understanding of the mechanisms throughwhich these GC are operationalized. The objective is to map and systematize the literature on MNEs’engagement with GC and SDGs, offering a framework that categorizes their strategies across modesof engagement, spatial contexts, and domains of influence.Keywords: Multinational Enterprises, Grand Challenges, Sustainable Development Goals, GlobalValue Chains, Public-Private Partnerships, Political CSR.

Keywords: SDG, MNEs, Grand challenges, global valué chains

Publication date: 16-Oct-2025.

Citation:
F.J. Forcadell, E. Aracil, C. Escudero, J.J. Nájera-Sánchez, "How do multinationals address Grand Challenges? Mapping the literature", presented at 53rd EBES Conference, Madrid, Spain, 16-18 October 2025

Research topics:

The consumer in green transitions: adoption, diffusion and social change
Development of advanced ESG and socioeconomic metrics based on composite indicators

Research groups:

Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica (IIT)

ODS:

Goal 1: End poverty
Goal 2: Zero hunger
Goal 3: Health and well-being
Goal 4: Quality education
Goal 5: Gender equality
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Goal 10: Reducing inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Goal 13: Climate action
Goal 14: Life below water
Goal 15: Life on land
Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

IIT-25-344C_abstract

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