Why Responsible Purchasing is a Driver of Innovation?
Finance

Pierre-François Thaler

Co-founder and co-CEOEcoVadis

Why Responsible Purchasing is a Driver of Innovation?

10:04·21 July 2026

This article was automatically translated from its original Français version. Read the original

Pierre-François Thaler is the co-founder and co-CEO of EcoVadis, a mission-driven company established in 2007, specializing in assessing corporate CSR practices globally.

Transcript

Audio in Français — text automatically translated·AI-generated transcript

EcoVadis analyzes the environmental, social, and ethical practices of companies to guide purchasing decisions towards more responsible players. The goal is to better understand the real impact of increasingly complex and global supply chains.

According to the latest barometer of responsible purchasing, a major shift is emerging: innovation has become the primary driver of CSR initiatives in leading companies, surpassing mere regulatory compliance. This change in perception is transforming CSR into a competitive advantage.

France today, and Europe in general, face real competitiveness challenges. But CSR can be a vector of competitiveness, because the best practices we have on these issues become an asset,” explains Pierre-François Thaler.

The arrival of artificial intelligence further accelerates this transformation. The central issue becomes the quality and traceability of data, which are essential for analyzing supply chains and better anticipating risks.

Despite these advancements, some challenges remain, particularly the limited visibility on tier 2 and 3 suppliers, where a significant portion of environmental and social risks are concentrated.

For Pierre-François Thaler, this dynamic remains positive. The evolution of practices, the structuring of data, and the widespread adoption of CSR initiatives indicate a global acceleration, driven by both companies and new technologies.

CSR is no longer just a regulatory constraint; it has become a true driver of innovation,” concludes Pierre-François Thaler.

Florence Jaillet
impact.info journalist
Published on 21 July 2026