Redefining Engagement
2024 Industry Research

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Black Sun Global Research programme

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For over two decades, our annual research has been pivotal in shaping the future of reporting and stakeholder engagement.

By analysing business practices globally, we uncover evolving trends and provide fresh perspectives that empower leaders to refine their strategies and drive meaningful conversations with their investors, customers, employees, partners, and broader communities. 

This year, our 'Redefining Engagement' research programme dives into critical topics at the forefront of business agendas: evolving trends in digital communications, untapped opportunities in sustainability communications, stakeholder engagement practices in Singapore, and the transformative impact of the CSRD across Europe. 

Our Difference:
The BEAMS+ Approach

Our research methodology is deeply rooted in the Black Sun Global BEAMS+ principles, designed to navigate the dynamic landscapes of stakeholder interactions. Focusing on six strategic dimensions, BEAMS+ allows us to qualitatively assess stakeholder engagement practices. This approach ensures our findings reflect current trends and bring businesses the insights needed to drive progress, impact, and change.

Communicating with impact in the digital age

Digital communication is becoming increasingly complex. AI is disrupting markets and businesses processes.  Stakeholders have more channels to voice their opinions, and companies face rising pressures to communicate effectively and comply with regulations.

But how well are companies delivering curated content tailored to diverse stakeholder groups?  Where are the opportunities to sustain engagement? And how effective is social media in helping businesses reach new audiences?

Our 'Communicating with Impact' study analyses global companies, FTSE100, and STI30 to reveal the latest trends in digital communications, highlighting why transparency and evidencing outcomes are crucial for achieving communication objectives more effectively.

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How companies are communicating with impact (% of companies analysed)

93%

Provide sustainability data

42%

Offering leader articles/interviews

31%

Produce podcasts to extend reach

16%

Increase in talent communities

5%

Growth in use of social media

Engaging stakeholders in a changing world

Societal expectations around ESG factors are evolving rapidly, pushing companies to prioritise sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices. Stakeholders want organisations to demonstrate a commitment to these values. Yet how can companies ensure their communication is both sincere and impactful?

Our latest APAC report, a collaboration between Black Sun Global and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID), uncovers significant gaps in stakeholder engagement among listed companies. Highlighting the urgent need for transparency, it offers insights into how companies can better align with stakeholder values, whilst demonstrating tangible positive impacts.

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10%

Show board consideration of stakeholder decisions 
(% of companies analysed)

90%

Need more resources for stakeholder engagement
(% of companies analysed)

55%

Scored by large cap companies in investor engagement, compared to only 19% for small cap companies

58%

Of industrial companies achieved the highest employee engagement score

Redefining sustainability communications

In today’s stakeholder economy, companies struggle to engage employees, customers, and investors in their sustainability journey amidst seismic changes in reporting and sustainability regulations. Our study of over 200 European companies explores key questions: Is there still room for the sustainability report? Will new regulations help? Is the risk of greenwashing holding businesses back?

The research shows that whilst regulations drive positive change, stakeholders' varied information needs are often unmet. There is an opportunity for companies to move beyond reporting and compliance by using a multi-channel storytelling approach for more effective sustainability communications.

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(% of companies analysed)

61%

Have a separate Sustainability/ESG Report

56%

Mention climate in their market overview

41%

Believe upcoming regulations will better meet stakeholder needs

40%

Embed sustainability within their overall brand story

Transforming reporting with CSRD

The upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is set to impact an estimated 50,000 companies and promises to revolutionise business reporting, putting sustainability on par with financial reporting. Our comprehensive research, covering FTSE 100 and European companies, addresses key questions: How can companies align with the new directive? What are the opportunities for improving sustainability reporting? And how can businesses leverage CSRD to build stakeholder trust?

Learn how businesses are preparing for CSRD with examples of early adopters showcasing innovative approaches to sustainability reporting, the challenges they face in integrating ESG data, and the best practices for ensuring compliance while meeting diverse stakeholder needs.

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(% of companies analysed)

54%

Mention CSRD but haven’t started reporting

67%

Have conducted double materiality assessments 

48%

Illustrate outputs using a matrix or infographic 

7%

Are partially aligned with CSRD

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