This second lecture will focus on substantiating the role of the firm as contributor to a more socially and environmentally sustainable economy. In particular, it will show that the logical result of embedding a sustainable mission at the level of the firm is an understanding of firms as political entities. Pursuant to this end, it seeks to develop a new understanding of the investment process, as well as tracing out the potential role of the state, civil society and investors, including SFPI, in realizing such a mission. A large segment of the talk will focus on profiling existing practices, examining these critically and making suggestions for improved practices where necessary. The talk's conclusion attempts to lay out the research agenda that the 2022-2024 SFPI Chaire will pursue.