Beyond ESG: A Regenerative Strategy Framework for the Net-Positive Firm
DOI:
10.47353/jmd.v1i1.378Published:
2026-04-11Downloads
Abstract
The growing prominence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks has reshaped corporate responsibility, yet increasing criticism highlights their limitations in addressing systemic ecological and social challenges. ESG often emphasizes risk mitigation and compliance rather than transformative impact. This study advances the concept of the net-positive firm as a strategic evolution beyond ESG, proposing a regenerative approach that enables organizations to create more value for society and the environment than they consume. Using a descriptive qualitative and conceptual synthesis approach, this research integrates insights from sustainability, strategic management, and regenerative systems theory. The analysis identifies three core pillars of regenerative strategy: value restoration, systemic circularity, and stakeholder co-creation. These pillars reframe firms as active contributors to ecological regeneration and social well-being rather than passive minimizers of harm. The study proposes a multi-layered framework that aligns corporate purpose, operational practices, and ecosystem engagement toward net-positive outcomes. It also highlights key tensions between short-term financial performance and long-term regenerative impact, as well as between measurement standardization and contextual complexity. This research contributes to the sustainability and strategy literature by introducing a regenerative paradigm that extends beyond ESG metrics and compliance. It offers practical implications for organizations seeking to transition toward net-positive models, emphasizing the need for systemic thinking, innovation, and collaborative governance. Ultimately, the regenerative firm represents a transformative pathway toward sustainable and inclusive economic systems.
Keywords:
Net-positive firm regenerative strategy ESG sustainable businessReferences
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