During the event most interesting results of the CSR Europe study on CSR importance among business decision makers were revealed. Over 53% of innovative business solutions indicate that companies are bringing about change in their internal management systems. Implementing CSR solutions also has an impact on the bottom line of business. 45% of business innovations yielded direct bottom line benefits such as improved profits, cost savings, new business opportunities, and operational efficiencies.

The MarketPlace offers a venue for companies to present “best CSR practices and solutions”, but also an exceptional platform where executives can learn about solutions presented by other companies. This year during the morning session participants were able to learn about and exchange with presenters on 120 corporate CSR solutions and share their best practices. The uniqueness of the event lies in the transparency of the practical solutions which CSR Europe and its members have found to be a fantastic opportunity to discover and learn about the successes and challenges of CSR, in an open environment.

The European Commission recently demonstrated their strong support of CSR with the launch, in March 2006, of the European Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility. Commissioner Vladimír Spidla of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, was present at the event and underlined the importance of the Alliance in his discourse explaining that such an exchange of experience will help, with the political support of the European Commission, make Europe the pole of excellence on Corporate Social Responsibility.