ABSTRACT
Socially responsible investing (SRI) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) describe the transition from First Wave SRI and its negative roots, towards a more data-driven review of ESG factors. Automation, technology and innovation are means by which companies can improve their operations and profit. Automation continues to change the playing field, as companies look to maximize their profit through efficiencies. Globalization is slowly moving us to global fairness, and this is a good thing, but not always something well recognized by investors. As companies outsource more functions while seeking efficiency, developing economies improve, and the playing field continues to level. While globalization continues its inexorable march forward, the regional differences that manifest are emerging as equally, if not more, important, including the local and community opportunities that continue to excite and emerge from the world of impact investing.
