In 2021, the Laudes Foundation published a systems map and an ambitious Theory of Change. The latter outlines how the organistaion’s initiatives are expected to trigger short- and long-term change. The document also provides a framework for assessing the impact of specific projects.

The first step towards implementing the Theory of Change was an assessment of the current state of affairs.
The Foundation commissioned a systemic baseline study of the present status quo in various areas to determine the desired depth and pace of changes between 2021 and the end of 2025. The study focused on advancements in combating climate change and social inequalities. Its aim was to “provide an assessment of the current state of systems that the Laudes Foundation wishes to influence in the context of the goals listed in the organisation’s Theory of Change.”

The main methods employed by Future Impacts and 4CF to conduct the commissioned baseline analysis for the Laudes Foundation were a literature review and real-time Delphi studies. The results were combined to determine stakeholder behaviours in three industries (textiles, finance and capital markets, the environment) in accordance with the Laudes Foundation assessment system. The primary geographic target of the analysis was Europe, with an additional focus on Asia for the textile industry. To assess the current state of the three sectors, the expert knowledge obtained through Delphi studies was collated with the output of a literature review. Subsequently, an expert workshop was organised to discuss areas that remained unclear due to the divergent outcomes of the two work-streams. Triangulation, workshops with specialists and additional interviews with experts allowed us to obtain final assessments.

The Foundation obtained a report in the form of a scorecard detailing the results and assessments. It provided a discussion of all three industries based on the output of the Delphi studies, the literature review, as well as workshops and expert interviews. In addition, specific literature-based evidence served to highlight knowledge gaps and gaps in the input of the analysis that emerged during the research process.

The Laudes Foundation intends to use the report for operational and strategic planning, as well as strategic adaptation. It will also serve as a benchmark for monitoring and evaluating systemic changes to programmes. The report will be published to serve the wider community by enabling them to access the results and analyses.

The report details the levers needed to achieve the speed and scale necessary to create an inclusive and climate-friendly economy, characterised by improved accountability achieved through policy and reform. The action of all actors and stakeholders in the three industries will be necessary, as will the involvement of policy-makers and society in general. The changes must be much faster and more decisive than they were thus far if we are to achieve stability by 2030. There is still a lot of hard work ahead as regards fundamental system changes, which will also need to happen at a much faster pace than before.

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