Local CSR

Continuing pressure for reform in areas such as social welfare and education as well as a shift in problem-solving responsibility between societal stakeholders indicates that, if Germany wishes to prepare to meet the challenges of the future, there needs to be a redistribution of responsibilities among the governmental, industrial and societal sectors. It is now more important than ever to integrate all of a society's stakeholders into the organization of complex societal challenges - beyond the traditional government-based method of problem solving. Tri-sector cooperation requires arrangements in which capabilities and resources are bundled for the benefit of all sectors. Partnerships within a local area provide an opportunity to explicitly address the needs of the partner and to resolve existing (and frequently mutual) prejudices face-to-face, to the benefit of both parties. But these new societal partnerships place great demands on all participants, since there are often great differences in the decision-making process and operating methods of commercial enterprises and nonprofit organizations. In order to overcome these hurdles, the help of a mediating civic organization is often needed. These organizations help establish, support and professionalize new partnerships between local businesses and nonprofit and public institutions that are aimed at improving social conditions.