Antwerp Management School explored this question in its latest 2024 SDG Barometer Report, produced in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, UCLouvain, and the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FIDO). The report provides insights into the progress, challenges, and future perspectives for companies integrating the SDGs into their strategies.
Key findings:
While Belgian organizations rate their SDG implementation at an average of 5.49 out of 7, the actual level of integration is significantly lower at 4.74. Companies prioritize goals such as quality education, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, while goals like no poverty and life below water receive less attention.
Challenges for Belgian companies
Despite their awareness of the SDGs, companies find it difficult to embed them into their business strategies. They struggle to set clear, measurable goals and often lack the expertise needed for effective implementation.
Adding to these difficulties are the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
- The CSRD, effective from 2024, requires large enterprises to report on their impact on people and the planet.
- The CSDDD mandates continuous due diligence on a company's activities and those of its supply chain partners.
Sustainability challenges are inherently complex and interconnected. Companies cannot work in isolation but must collaborate across sectors and borders to achieve meaningful change. Additionally, "SDG fatigue" poses a risk—constant reporting requirements and uncertainty about the post-2030 SDG landscape can demotivate companies, leaving them unclear about future directions.
Recommendations for successful SDG integration
- Clarify the SDG agenda beyond 2030
Companies need clarity on the role they will play beyond the 2030 deadline. Sustainability challenges won’t end, so businesses must maintain their focus and motivation despite future uncertainties. - Develop new skills for the evolving sustainability landscape
The CSRD and CSDDD demand new competencies such as data analysis, stakeholder management, and impact-driven business modeling. Tailored training programs can equip Belgian companies with the knowledge they need to succeed. - Address the systemic nature of sustainability
Sustainability issues are interconnected and require collective action. Companies must move beyond isolated solutions and work on cross-sectoral initiatives, both nationally and internationally, for impactful results. - Identify and share best practices
Learning from successful examples accelerates sustainability efforts. Sharing best practices, leveraging artificial intelligence, and analyzing case studies can help businesses overcome common challenges and improve performance. - Enhance SDG integration in education
Sustainability education should span all levels—from primary schools to executive training programs. Skills like collaboration, systems thinking, and critical analysis are essential for tackling sustainability challenges. - Highlight the value of sustainability reporting
Many companies see sustainability reporting as a bureaucratic burden, but it’s much more. Transparent reporting builds stakeholder trust, demonstrates commitment, and strengthens the effectiveness of sustainability efforts. - Improve data collection and management
High-quality data is critical for measuring impact, but gathering it—especially within supply chains—remains a challenge. Companies need support to professionalize data practices and leverage sector-wide solutions to meet reporting requirements efficiently. Strengthening data infrastructure enhances transparency and enables better decision-making.
SDGs as a catalyst for sustainability innovation
Dr. Lars Moratis, professor at Antwerp Management School, states:
"While Belgian companies are making progress with the SDGs, connecting sectors and embracing sustainable innovations remain significant challenges. The SDGs provide a strong foundation, but companies must move beyond superficial engagement to drive real change. Belgian businesses have the potential to lead in sustainability, but this requires them to innovate, collaborate, and view the SDGs as an opportunity rather than an obligation. Sustainability demands systemic changes that transcend individual organizations."
