Mapping understandings of corporate social and sustainability responsibility in an era of green transition in Swedish Sápmi: recommendations for extractive industry improvements

In northern Sweden, extractive industry activity, such as wind power and mining, has intensified due to the so-called green transition. Hence, friction between the Indigenous Sámi people and extractive companies has increased. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences of and recommendations for corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in extractive industries among the Sámi people in Sweden. A qualitative study based on 13 in-depth interviews with Sámi people shows that while extractive industries communicate their commitment to CSR outwardly, on websites and in written material, there is a discrepancy between that communication and Sámi people’s experiences of the companies’ actions when operating on Sámi lands. This ethnographic study uses an inductive approach to analyse interview data and explore major themes, including views on stakeholder engagement in an era of societal transition. The study provides recommendations on how industries can enhance their interactions with Sámi people and communities.