How can new space companies manage their relationships with their workforce, the societies in which they operate, and the political environment? This is the central question behind the “S” in ESG investing — the social aspect of sustainable investing and business management.  A number of social factors can affect a company’s performance, ranging from short- to long-term challenges. Social factors to consider include a company’s strengths and weaknesses in dealing with social trends, labor, and politics. A focus on these topics can increase profits and corporate responsibility.

It would be challenging to find an industry which touches the aspirations of humanity more than the space and satellite industry. But as it becomes more diverse and society takes the turns that we have been taking, we ask if we are doing enough on the social scale to accommodate this vision of a single planet which is populated by a single humanity?

As we navigate questions of culture, gender, nationality, mores and morals, how should management respond? What is the value of giving so much emphasis to the “S” of ESG? What will be the impact on the brand and the overall “health” of companies? Will taking the right steps increase value for investors? Are Social Factors universal? Or are they in themselves a new form of control by a few? Is more nuance needed?

SSPI and the New York Space Business Roundtable are pleased present the third entry in this regular series. 

Speakers include:

• Sabrina Alam, Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Sustainability, SES Satellites
• Douglas Jarl, Investment Banker, Barclays, Aerospace, Defense & Government Services
• Richard Morrison, Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Anthony R.G. Nolan, Partner, K&L Gates
• Joseph D. Fargnoli, Co-Founder, New York Space Alliance (host)
• Louis Zacharilla, Director of Development and Innovation, SSPI (host)