Corporate Social Responsibility

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Responsibility is normally said to be accepted. At Bosch, we take it on. This is more than just a nuance of formulation. For us, responsibility is not some ethical demand that conflicts with the interests of our company, or indeed somehow supersedes them. Instead, taking on responsibility for social and ecological concerns is something that also makes sense for us economically. If society does not give us well-trained junior executives, or if the environment and climate are not protected, then the Bosch Group will not be able to achieve a strong and meaningful development over the long term. In taking on social responsibility, we safeguard our long-term future. So it is essential that we undertake to act beyond the bounds of our company. This is how we understand corporate social responsibility

 

But regardless of whether responsibility is merely accepted or taken on, it means nothing without having the power to shape events and the ability to take a long-term perspective. And Bosch is more than equipped to offer both these qualities.  

First, we are an international company and a major employer, even beyond the borders of Europe. We are also active in a wide range of areas, including consumer goods, industrial technology, building technology, and, of course, in our signature field of automotive technology. So we are in a position to shape events in a number of countries and across a number of industries.  

And second, we are a company with a longterm mindset. This is not just something we derive from our special corporate constitution. Instead, it is evident in everything we do. One striking example of this mindset is the 3S program. This program, which helps to make driving safer, cleaner, and more economical, has guided our research and development work ever since the first oil crisis in 1973. Today, we say that Bosch technology is “Invented for life,” a slogan that goes far beyond driving to include, for example, systems designed to unlock the potential of wind and solar power. Our innovations, including such beneficial solutions as the electronic stability program or high-pressure diesel injection technology, have often demanded of us patience in the face of setbacks and obstacles. We have seen these innovations through to success. We have staying power.

So the ability to shape events and the ability to take a long-term perspective are good things to have when taking on responsibility, also when taking it on beyond the confines of our company. It all started with our company founder Robert Bosch, who never viewed entrepreneurial endeavor as an end in itself. Instead, he wanted to help shape a “meaningful social reality,” and so do we. The many examples in our corporate social responsibility report 2007/2008 will provide adequate evidence of this. The data section, which is included as a separate supplement for the first time, shows that entrepreneurial responsibility can also be quantified and expressed in defined targets and objectives. It will be updated each year. It also includes our communication on progress to the Global Compact Office. The UN Global Compact initiative helps us establish ecological and social standards across the globe. We have been able to achieve most of the targets that we had set ourselves in the 2005-2006 sustainability program. In the future, we especially want to further improve collaboration within the Bosch Group with respect to our sustainability program, as well as to intensify exchange with our stakeholders.

Surveys conducted among our customers and associates provide us with a great deal of positive feedback, as well as valuable suggestions. Accordingly, we also look forward to hearing what you think about our report. To express your views, please make use of the new “Corporate Social Responsibility” page on our website. This page also provides additional information.

Franz Fehrenbach
Chairman of the Board of Management