Academics
Academics will play a key role in achieving this strategic plan and realizing our vision of a future where all investments contribute to positive social and environmental impact. There are a number of recommended actions in this Roadmap that they are especially well suited to advance, outlined below.
1. identity
Share Best Practices for Impact Measurement, Management, and Reporting
What
Develop and promote clear best practices
WHY
To address the current fragmentation of approaches and lay a foundation for analysis, rating, and comparing impact across investments within a given theme
who
Field building organizations with consultants, supported by a broad swath of leading investors
when
Continue ongoing efforts, and test and adopt best practices throughout the industry over the next three to five years
2. Norms and expectations
Update Fundamental Investment Theory
What
Refresh Modern Portfolio Theory and capital asset pricing models to incorporate impact alongside risk and return
WHY
To underpin the practice of integrating impact into investments
who
Academics, with support from funders and input from practitioners
when
Over the next five years
5. education
Train Finance Professionals
What
Develop training programs on impact investing for financial industry professionals, such as wealth advisors and investment managers at large financial firms
WHY
To translate client demand into capital deployed by growing advisors’ awareness of impact investing opportunities
who
Industry associations of finance professionals (to develop third-party offerings), large financial firms (to develop in-house trainings) and business schools (to develop MBA curricula)
when
Over the next few years