Ashridge Sustainable Innovation Award

Ashridge and partners have announced the winner of the 2009 Ashridge Sustainable Innovation award.

Ashridge, in association with the European Academy of Business and Society (EABIS) and with the support of HP and WWF have announced the winner of the 2009 Ashridge Sustainable Innovation award. Jonathan Alexander, a Masters student from the University of Bath, was awarded first place, with Luc Petit from Ashridge Business School placing second and Srikanth Madani from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland placing third.

Jonathan received the top prize of €7,000 for his entry and was presented with his award by a representative of the Swedish government at the EU Presidency conference 'Eco-efficient Economy - Towards Innovative and Sustainable Competitiveness' held in Linköping, Sweden on 2 November 2009.

His winning entry, “How can organisations innovate to create value from the shift to a low carbon economy” explored the imperative for innovation that is modelled on creating what is needed, rather than what will make money. His inspiring essay concludes, “The kind of innovation…that will truly lead to a low-carbon economy, is not just the one that is necessary to create a sustainable future, it is also the most fun to be involved in. If that combination isn’t about creating value, I don’t know what is.”

A publication with all shortlisted entries can be downloaded here