This final chapter presents recommendations for government policy to ensure that companies generate a positive impact on society through their business practices. These recommendations address the roles of government, consumers, financiers and companies themselves. We conclude in this chapter that the Dutch government is making too little use of its abilities to make good business more worthwhile. It is inclined to shield incumbent firms from economic turbulence through mitigation measures, such as tax breaks or lax enforcement. This encourages a passive mindset and hampers the efforts of companies with innovations that for instance promote health or education. The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) advocates a change in business-related policy: stop pampering and start challenging companies to find solutions for society. This requires the Dutch government to implement a coherent and ambitious mix of pricing instruments, standards and rules, while outlining how it intends to address transitions such as those related to climate change, energy, and the labour market. It also necessitates greater restraint in financial support schemes, more transition-driven public procurement and long-term public and private investments that benefit society.

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Policy to Unlock Companies’ Benefit for Society

  • Marthe Hesselmans,
  • Bart Stellinga,
  • Ramy El-Dardiry,
  • Danique François,
  • Catrien Bijleveld

摘要

This final chapter presents recommendations for government policy to ensure that companies generate a positive impact on society through their business practices. These recommendations address the roles of government, consumers, financiers and companies themselves. We conclude in this chapter that the Dutch government is making too little use of its abilities to make good business more worthwhile. It is inclined to shield incumbent firms from economic turbulence through mitigation measures, such as tax breaks or lax enforcement. This encourages a passive mindset and hampers the efforts of companies with innovations that for instance promote health or education. The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) advocates a change in business-related policy: stop pampering and start challenging companies to find solutions for society. This requires the Dutch government to implement a coherent and ambitious mix of pricing instruments, standards and rules, while outlining how it intends to address transitions such as those related to climate change, energy, and the labour market. It also necessitates greater restraint in financial support schemes, more transition-driven public procurement and long-term public and private investments that benefit society.