The Impact of Corporate Venture Capital on CSR Outcomes in BRICS Countries

The Impact of Corporate Venture Capital on CSR Outcomes in BRICS Countries
Author: Evelyn Olwagen
Degree: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Corporate Strategy
Date: 2022
Institution: University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science, South Africa
 

This master’s research explores the role of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) in enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outcomes within BRICS countries, specifically Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. While BRICS economies are projected to grow faster than developed nations by 2050, this rapid growth entails high energy consumption, challenging global sustainability and CSR objectives.

The study addresses a gap in literature concerning the relationship between CVC programs and CSR outcomes in emerging markets. Using multiple regression analysis, the research examines 171 firms in India and South Africa, analyzing both environmental and social components of CSR. The findings reveal that CVC programs positively influence social outcomes of firms but do not produce immediate improvements in environmental performance. Additionally, the study highlights that social and environmental outcomes are interrelated, governance scores significantly affect social outcomes, and industry type influences environmental outcomes, while firm location does not have a significant effect.

The thesis contributes to understanding how innovation-driven investment strategies, like CVC, can support CSR objectives in emerging economies, offering insights for policymakers, managers, and researchers aiming to align economic growth with social responsibility in BRICS nations.