Perspective
Global companies will be disrupted over next several decades by growing resource demands, changing consumer expectations, regulatory factors, new technology and a host of other factors. We believe EDGE can help companies anticipate and creatively respond to these evolving conditions, and be part of a transformation to a sustainability economy.
Dan Vermeer, Executive Director, EDGE
The Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment (EDGE) at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business prepares businesses to meet the global demand for energy, resources, and improved quality of life. Through education, research, and engagement, EDGE identifies the most promising pathways toward a sustainable energy system and economy, works with leading firms to drive these innovations across their value chains, and helps seed the partnerships that can accelerate these transformations.
Few forces will have as profound an impact on business in the 21st century as the global dynamics of energy, natural resources, development, and environment. Exploding global demand for energy, water, and other resources are causing extreme stress on ecosystems and intensifying challenges to business success and society's long-term prosperity. This turbulent environment creates new opportunities and risks for companies. Businesses that understand these emerging trends and their implications for investment, innovation, operations, risk management, and managerial decision-making will have a distinct competitive advantage.
EDGE helps companies and business leaders rise to this challenge. We prepare business decision makers to address questions like: how do we sustainably meet the global demand for energy, resources, and improved quality of life? What are the most promising pathways to transform our current industrial systems to achieve this goal? What role can leading firms play in catalyzing these transformations across their value chains? What partnerships are needed to help facilitate these changes?