• Summary

The STAR project addresses the growing importance of reliable information on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts of businesses. Through international cooperation between researchers and non-academic sector representatives, the project examines issues related to the quality and comparability of sustainability reporting. It aims to contribute to the development of better reporting practices and solutions supporting businesses in their transformation and in building resilience to change.

  • Project Objective

The objective of STAR is to advance knowledge of the factors affecting the quality of sustainability-related information, including cultural, regional and sector-specific conditions. The project seeks to develop models and strategies supporting more reliable reporting, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between academia and business practice.

  • Project Partners

The consortium consists of 10 institutions from nine countries: Romania, Austria, Czechia, France, Italy, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Moldova and Poland. The project is coordinated by the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest (UNSTPB), Romania, with Prof. Elena Fleaca serving as Project Coordinator. The academic partners are University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Moldova State University, Brno University of Technology, Lodz University of Technology and Istanbul University. The non-academic sector is represented by INFOR ELEA, Romanian Standards Association (ASRO), Institut Européen d’Études du Développement (IEED) and BEIA GmbH. Combining academic expertise with the practical experience of non-academic organisations enables research findings to be aligned with the real needs of the economy.

  • Role of Lodz University of Technology in the Project

Lodz University of Technology is an academic partner in the project. The work is carried out by the Institute of Marketing and Sustainable Development (I-83) under the leadership of Prof. Andrzej Marcinkowski. Lodz University of Technology contributes expertise in sustainable development, management and business information, participating in research activities, knowledge exchange and international research and training activities.

  • Expected Impact of the Project

The results of STAR may contribute to improving the quality and reliability of sustainability-related information, enabling businesses, investors, consumers and public institutions to make more informed decisions. The findings may be applied to improving ESG reporting, information management and responsible management standards. The project also supports the development of research on business transformation and knowledge transfer between academic sector and the economy.

  • Project Funding

The project is funded under the HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01 call (Grant Agreement No. 101179323). The grant amount is EUR 1,085,600, of which EUR 100,050 is allocated to Lodz University of Technology. The funding is provided by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), acting under powers delegated by the European Commission.