The software industry has for years demonstrated large value adding in all parts of the society. It enables new and sometimes revolutionary benefits in our life; in our everyday products, in business and in public services.
Customers expect more and more advanced functionality, seamless integration between systems, availability on mobile devices, and on the net, and high user friendliness and quality. This has lead to more critical applications, more complex products, more complex supply chains, shorter time to market and shorter product life cycles.
The risks are large and increasing and to stay in business for the long run risk management, process improvement and operational effectiveness continuously has to be in focus. Environment, ethics and social responsibility is high on the news agenda around the world – mistakes or failures to comply with what is seen as responsible corporate behavior will influence reputation, market share and stock price.
The software industry is uniquely positioned to help other industries cope with their sustainability issues. It can be an enabler of innovative solutions to sustainability challenges that exist in other industries. However, to get credibility companies have to show that they act responsible in the world society.