The Public Sector: Hard and Soft Regulation

Abstract

This chapter sheds light on Finnish business regulation that forms the institutional infrastructures within which Finnish companies practice CSR. The regulations are discussed in terms of social and environmental aspects, shaped largely by EU-level laws and internationally recognized guidelines. As a specific point of interest, the Finnish innovation policy is introduced as a national agenda to increase competitiveness. The chapter also discusses forms of soft law regulation and co-regulation, including domestic and international initiatives to support the engagement of companies and entrepreneurs in corporate responsibility and sustainability.