Topics In Demand
Notification
New

No notification found.

Beyond profitability: Global CSR efforts by tech giants driving social impact
Beyond profitability: Global CSR efforts by tech giants driving social impact

January 22, 2025

13

0

In the ever-evolving business landscape, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a key tool for ushering in change. Organizations across the globe are leveraging CSR efforts to look beyond conventional profit and revenue metrics and create a larger societal impact.

Tech companies have been at the forefront in this regard, with the likes of Microsoft, Salesforce, Cisco, IBM and Google running successful global programs. These programs range from encouraging employee engagement for causes like education, leveraging technology to enhance digital skills, using AI-driven tools to improve the quality of life and adopting innovative solutions to promote sustainability.

A look at the global CSR efforts by key tech giants…

Microsoft: Microsoft has been among the global tech players, leading the way in CSR initiatives. Some of its noteworthy programs include 'Employee Volunteering,' 'Tech for Social Impact' and 'AI for Accessibility'. While the first program promotes and encourages employees to dedicate their time and skills to non-profit organizations; the second initiative leverages technology to tackle societal challenges such as improving access to education and healthcare in underserved communities. Meanwhile, the AI for Accessibility initiative centres around creation of AI-driven tools aimed at enhancing quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Salesforce: Salesforce follows a 1-1-1 model, involving donating 1% of its equity, time and product to charitable causes. It has a ‘Voluntary Time Off’ (VTO) program that encourages employees to actively engage in volunteering work for non-profit organizations. Under this, Salesforce grants seven paid days of VTO to employees each year. Employees can choose to contribute towards causes ranging from volunteering at a school or virtual mentoring to supporting organizations with technical and professional expertise.

Cisco: One of Cisco’s noteworthy global CSR initiatives is the 'Cisco Networking Academy,’ which provides IT education and career pathways to individuals, empowering them with digital and cybersecurity skills training. It is active in around 190 countries in the world and is supported by 11,700 institutions offering varied courses.

IBM: IBM’s global CSR initiatives include the 'Corporate Service Corps' and 'Call for Code.' Under the first initiative, it sends teams of employees on global assignments to tackle pressing societal issues using technology and business solutions. These assignments are focused on entrepreneurship, transportation, education, government services, healthcare, and disaster recovery etc. The second initiative invites global developers and problem-solvers to build and contribute innovative technology solutions that address social and humanitarian issues. Through Call for Code, top solutions are actively supported to bring technology into communities in need by working with partners like the United Nations and the Linux Foundation. 

Google: Google has undertaken a social innovation driven approach to global CSR. Through initiatives like its ‘Project Sunroof’ and the newly launched Solar API, the organization uses AI for promoting the use of renewable energy. Unlike its predecessor, Project Sunroof, which provided estimates for a vast number of rooftops globally, the Solar API refines predictions by analysing satellite or aerial photographs. Historical weather data and real-time energy pricing are then integrated into the analysis, providing homeowners and solar installation companies with comprehensive insights into potential solar energy generation.

While global CSR efforts are noteworthy, India stands out as the first and only country to mandate CSR spending, creating a dynamic and impactful ecosystem. Indian tech companies have embraced this responsibility, driving transformative programs across diverse focus areas.

To spotlight these efforts, Nasscom is set to launch its first-ever CSR report, offering valuable insights into how technology is shaping corporate social responsibility in India. This report will showcase impactful initiatives, emerging trends, and the role of innovation in creating meaningful change. Stay tuned to explore the stories redefining CSR in the Indian tech landscape...... 

 


That the contents of third-party articles/blogs published here on the website, and the interpretation of all information in the article/blogs such as data, maps, numbers, opinions etc. displayed in the article/blogs and views or the opinions expressed within the content are solely of the author's; and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of NASSCOM or its affiliates in any manner. NASSCOM does not take any liability w.r.t. content in any manner and will not be liable in any manner whatsoever for any kind of liability arising out of any act, error or omission. The contents of third-party article/blogs published, are provided solely as convenience; and the presence of these articles/blogs should not, under any circumstances, be considered as an endorsement of the contents by NASSCOM in any manner; and if you chose to access these articles/blogs , you do so at your own risk.


images
Kuhu Singh
Manager, Research

© Copyright nasscom. All Rights Reserved.