Business and Economies 2025 research wrap-up

Program highlights 

Climate-Related Financial Disclosure for businesses 

The Institute for Sustainable Futures Business, Economies and Governance research team collaborated with colleagues from C-KIC, the UTS Business School and Studio 3 Learning to produce a series of educational materials for Australian businesses to help them navigate new mandatory sustainability reporting. ISF’s researchers contributed their expertise in climate risk, sustainable finance and education to the materials. This work is for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), who will release the resources in December 2025 and early in 2026. 

Click here to read more. 

Real Zero Leadership 

Earlier this year, the Business, Economies and Governance team undertook research commissioned by Climate Integrity, in which they assessed the public net zero pledges of three Australian companies – IKEA, Fortescue and Leadlease – against the UN High Level Group’s high integrity benchmark for transition plans, and their alignment with scientific pathways.  

Click here to see what we found. 

NSW Health Futures Thinking Capacity Building 

After the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals around the world have been exploring how to use futures thinking to better prepare for uncertain futures. The Business, Economies and Governance team co-designed and delivered a two-day futures thinking course to support more than 50 leaders from NSW Health to learn how to apply futures thinking in their daily work. After the course, we have continued to work with NSW Health through regular community of practice sessions to help embed the learning in practice.