Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, 
Fu Jen Catholic University

ABSTRACT

Service systems play a pivotal role in addressing the urgent global challenges of environmental sustainability, guided by the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). This keynote discusses the integration of service systems within the framework of ESG and UNSDGs to achieve comprehensive and ongoing sustainability objectives.

In the face of escalating environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, service systems emerge as essential mechanisms for fostering sustainable practices across industries and disciplines. These systems encompass a broad array of economic activities, encompassing production, distribution, consumption, and disposal, influencing environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle.

Central to the effectiveness of service systems in promoting sustainability is the incorporation of ESG principles. ESG criteria serve as a guiding framework for evaluating the environmental, social, and governance performance of businesses and organizations. By integrating ESG evaluation criteria into service system design and operation, stakeholders can mitigate environmental risks, enhance social equity, and ensure transparent governance practices, thereby contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

Moreover, service systems are instrumental in advancing the UNSDGs, a comprehensive set of 17 interlinked objectives aimed at addressing global challenges and improving quality of life for all. By aligning with the UNSDGs through 5-Ps pillars (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership), service systems can direct their efforts towards achieving specific targets related to environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, health promotion, and more. This alignment facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders, fostering collective action towards common sustainability objectives.

Effective implementation of service systems for environmental sustainability requires a multifaceted approach. This involves fostering innovation and technological advancements to optimize resource use, promoting circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders across sectors to address complex sustainability challenges holistically.

In conclusion, service systems represent a critical nexus for advancing environmental sustainability, ESG principles, and UNSDGs. By integrating these frameworks into their design and operation, service systems can drive transformative change towards a more sustainable and resilient future for current and future generations. Collaboration, innovation, and concerted action are essential to realizing the full potential of service systems in addressing the pressing challenges of 3-Ds (Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Decentralization) era.

BIOGRAPHY

Professor Francis Yi-Chen Lan is the eighth President of Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. A distinguished academic leader, accomplished environmental management scientist, and information management educator, he is also an experienced senior leader in the higher education sector. Professor Lan assumed his position at Fu Jen Catholic University on February 1, 2024. He leads Fu Jen Catholic University as it continues to strive to ensure its students succeed, its research has impact, and its communities thrive in New Taipei City and beyond.

After he obtaining the PhD from Western Sydney University in 2004, he started a brilliant career as a professor and administrator at the same university. Important positions he held include, Professor of Information Management, Associate Dean of the School of Business, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Development, and Provost of the Vietnam Campus of Western Sydney University in Australia. In these capacities, he spares no effort to promote high value international partnerships, maintaining close relationships with government agencies and flagship institutions across the world, particularly in the East and North East & ASEAN regions.

In recognition of Professor Lan’s contributions to international and cross-border education development in Vietnam, the University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City conferred an Honorary Doctor of Economics degree upon him in May 2014. In 2019, Professor Lan received a special achievement award for exceptional contributions to global higher education institute partnerships development, presented by Dr. Ying-jeou Ma, former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through Soochow University, Taiwan. Furthermore, a special achievement award for contributions to Australia-Taiwan Education Partnerships was presented to Professo Lan by the Australian Office Taipei, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government.

In his academic career, Professor Lan conducts and leads significant research and PhD students in areas related to environmental management, knowledge management, global enterprise transition, green business transformation, carbon footprint labeling, life cycle assessment, smart tourism, and big data strategies. He authors and edits 3 books and more than 60 academic papers.