CSRD readiness in healthcare: Analyzing sustainability performance metrics

Strategic management control is essential for ensuring sustainability, as it helps organizations align their long-term goals with environmental and social responsibilities. To achieve this alignment, organizations must implement robust management control systems that establish clear policies and procedures supporting sustainability strategies. The significance of sustainable corporate practices has increased globally in recent years, with the healthcare industry playing a crucial role. This research project examines the sustainability performance and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) readiness of leading companies in the healthcare sector. The selection of this industry is particularly relevant due to its significant societal impact and the growing demand for transparent, sustainable business practices. The central research question is: To what extent does sustainability performance for CSRD readiness differ between companies in the healthcare sector? To explore this, a comparative analysis was conducted on the datasets of sustainability reports of 14 global leaders in healthcare, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and service providers. The methodology involved analyzing publicly available reports, corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, and relevant sustainability metrics. An inductive comparison identified patterns and differences in sustainability practices, leading to the identification of 91 sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs). The results indicate that healthcare companies are largely aligning with sustainability practices and regulatory requirements. However, there remains significant room for improvement, particularly in supply chain emissions representation. Improvements can be achieved through a holistic, strategic focus on sustainability. These findings raise questions and opportunities to explore deeper strategic approaches and motivations for sustainable practices in businesses.