In-Depth Analysis of the Splunk ESG Report Insights
Intro
The effective governance of the ESG report resonates deeply with today’s landscape of cybersecurity. Splunk’s report serves not only as a compliance tool but also as a narrative about corporate direction in integrating cybersecurity with environmental, social, and governance objectives.
Preface to Cybersecurity and Network Security Convergence
The importance of cybersecurity has grown immensely in our interconnected world. As organizations deploy complex networks, they find themselves facing both increased functionalities and vulnerabilities. Network security and cybersecurity are no longer silos; their convergence becomes essential in addressing risks associated with threats from within and outside.
In recent years, the evolution toward integrated cyber defenses has emerged. Solutions that blend network hardware with security measures provide a holistic approach and provide greater efficacy in protecting sensitive digital assets. Key metrics related to threats can be evaluated accurately when security strategies interlinked with network architecture.
Securing People, Devices, and Data
Implementing robust security measures remains critical for personal devices, corporate networks, and sensitive information. As more endpoints connect to networks, evaluating strategies for protecting users and data becomes imperative.
Guiding principles should include:
- Regular training for users about potential threats
- Authentication protocols to verify identities before accessing resources
- Data encryption to safeguard sensitive information in transit and at rest
Organizations like Splunk work continuously to adjust security measures that enhance user experience while also enforcing these protocols in real-time without significant overhead.
Latest Trends in Security Technologies
As new cybersecurity technologies emerge, they have a notable impact on both cybersecurity and network security practices. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and cloud security strategies shape our defenses significantly.
AI algorithms can delve into vast datasets, identifying vulnerabilities faster and accurately, while IoT devices create a plethora of new vectors for cyber threats. Security measures need to be adaptive to track these limits and ensure safety within multi-facetted digital landscapes. Cloud security ensures businesses that their information remains unrevealed.
Data Breaches and Risk Management
Recent research highlights that understanding data breaces is critical in shaping effective risk management. For example, large-scale breaches give insight into areas that are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Regular incident reports can expose patterns leading to best practices for emergent issues.
To consider the state of affairs, it is best to implement best practices that include:
- Regularly updating systems to close off vulnerabilities.
- Conducting vulnerability assessments to analyze potential risks.
- Adopting a proactive threat hunting strategy by predicting attacks before they occur.
“Understanding how breaches occur is key to preventing them in the future,” emphasizes how anticipation supports overall cybersecurity strategy.
Future of Cybersecurity and Digital Security Technology
Looking ahead, cybersecurity will continue seeing rapid changes. Innovations in fields like machine learning will shape how organizations respond to threats that may occur in dynamic landscape.
Predictively defining tactics adapted towards not just hackers but constantly evolving threats leads to a unified defense reflected broadly in entity maturity. Consequently, engaging the initiatives supported by ESG will ensure a structured approach toward balancing security and responsibility.
Such developments further confirm that embracing evolving technology in strategic plans will craft a future echoing sophisticated awareness coexistent with strong compliance ethos. Therefore, stakeholders can prepare themselves in building defensive power rather than merely reacting to threats.
Prolusion to ESG Reporting
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has emerged as a critical approach that companies undertake today. It not only provides a framework for corporate accountability but also represents a response to rising public interest in sustainability and ethics in business practices. The Splunk ESG report is significant because it showcases the commitment of a leading technology firm to such principles and offers insights that can be applied across various industries.
Definition and Importance
ESG reporting refers to the disclosure of data covering a company’s operations in areas related to environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. These reports serve as a resource for investors, consumers, and stakeholders. They provide a transparent account of an organization's commitment and progress towards sustainability goals, risk management, and ethical behavior.
The importance of ESG reporting lies in multiple factors:
- Investor Interest: Investors increasingly evaluate non-financial factors when making investment decisions. They look for insights into environmental practices and social involvement, seeking sustainable long-term returns.
- Public Awareness: Nowadays, consumers are becoming more socially aware. They often choose brands aligning with their values regarding sustainability and integrity. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to responsible practices are more likely to attract customers.
- Regulatory Compliance: As governments introduce more stringent regulations surrounding environmental protections and social responsibilities, companies must provide clear documentation of their commitment to compliant practices.
Engaging with ESG reporting can enhance a company's reputation, helping to build trust. It creates a satisfying narrative not only for those internally involved but also for validation externally.
History of ESG Reporting
The development of ESG reporting can be traced back to the evolution of corporate responsibility. Initially, companies published sustainability or corporate social responsibility reports, which provided limited disclosures focused mainly on philanthropic activities and basic environmental practices.
Over the last few decades, there has been a definitive shift toward a more structured approach.
- 1980s-1990s: The foundations of responsible investment began to take shape through organizations advocating for improved corporate governance.
- 2006: The UN launched the Principles for Responsible Investment, encouraging asset owners to incorporate ESG factors into their investment analytic processes.
- 2010s: Many companies began publishing more formal ESG reports influenced by frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative and the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
These shifts mark the growing recognition of the significance of integrating ESG factors within business strategy, reflecting a broader understanding that these dimensions are essential for long-term value creation. The Splunk ESG report, designed with this historical context in mind, ultimately serves to highlight a transcendent commitment to responsible corporate governance and strategic imperatives against a backdrop of corporate innovation.
Overview of Splunk Company
Understanding the structure and ethos of Splunk is vital for analyzing its ESG report. Splunk is a leading player in data analytics, focusing on real-time data access and performance. By diving into Splunk’s company background and mission statement, we can easily grasp its commitment to ESG principles and how these are knitted into its corporate fabric.
Company Background
Splunk was founded in 2003. The company emerged as a tool to help organizations gain insights into their big data. Today, it serves a range of clients by transforming machine generated data into actionable information.
With increasing emphasis on security and risk management, Splunk’s offerings have evolved significantly. They now also cater to cybersecurity measures. Their development continues to be robust, embracing modern technological advancements like cloud solutions and AI-driven analytics. This adaptive nature also reflects on its social responsibility and governance practices, as the company takes proactive steps to ensure they are aligning operational goals with ESG criteria.
Moreover, Splunk's consistent growth trajectory places it as a significant player in the technology sector. Companies often recognize them for their innovative tools such as Splunk Cloud Platform, which play a role in supporting ESG initiatives across different industries.
Mission and Vision
Splunk's mission revolves around helping organizations harness the power of data. Their vision encapsulates the journey toward becoming the leading platform for machine data. The social value derived from this mission reflects a broader impact, encouraging customer innovations on every level while prioritizing security and environmental responsibility by potential alliances and practices throughout the company.
Splunk aims to foster agile organizations that can fully leverage data intelligence. Actions guided by this mission align with significant ESG goals, such as transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
Splunk's values prioritize a data-driven approach to improve business outcomes and social good together. In addition to financial benefits, their emphasis lies on creating sustainable value for stakeholders.
When stakeholders advocate for improved corporate responsibility, they evaluate a company through the lens of its quantifiable duality: profit pursuits versus activites promoting social consequence. Understanding Splunk’s mission makes it clearer how the company engages in societal activities while also addressing governance issues in every operation.
Components of the Splunk ESG Report
The Splunk ESG report provides a comprehensive view of the company’s commitments and achievements in environmental, social, and governance practices. Each component of the report plays an essential role in illustrating how Splunk integrates sustainability into its operations while maintaining a focus on security and innovation. A detailed breakdown informs stakeholders about the specific actions the company takes in several key areas, shaping perceptions and guiding decision-making in investment and partnerships.
Environmental Responsibility
Environmental responsibility in Splunk's ESG report outlines the company’s approach to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating climate change impacts. Splunk emphasizes renewable energy utilization and waste minimization.
They track relevant metrics such as energy consumption levels, sustainable sourcing of materials, and reductions in emissions. This is necessary not just for regulatory compliance, but weil enhances the brand as an environmentally responsible entity.
Key highlights in this area may include:
- Commitment to science-based targets for emissions reduction.
- Programs ensuring efficient energy use across operational facilities.
- Transparency in environmental metrics through publicly available data.
Social Initiatives
The social initiatives section delves into leaning inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement. Splunk is committed to creating an equitable workplace and fosters an environment that values different perspectives.
Education and outreach programs illustrate the company's dedication to community well-being. Notably, this commitment is also reflected in workforce training and leadership development processes designed to elevate underrepresented groups.
Aspects of this section include:
- Initiatives aiming for increasing representation within the workforce.
- Public accountability for social impact metrics.
- Collaboration with academia for promoting technological education.
Governance Practices
Governance practices assess how Splunk structures its corporate leadership model to ensure ethical conduct and accountability. A competent and diverse board of directors steers the company accross complex compliance landscapes and site ESG mandates.
This section also outlines measures in shareholder engagement, risk management frameworks, and internal policy adherence. Integrating ESG governance provides strength to business resilience, enhancing long-term value for stakeholders.
Considerations include:
- Clear codes of conduct to establish principles guiding personal behavior within the organization.
- Audits related to compliance with ESG and legal standards.
- Engagement with investors regarding material ESG risks and opportunities.
Understanding the components of the Splunk ESG report is vital for grasping the implications of its practices. The detailed metrics specified within these sections demonstrate the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability while addressing core matters of technology and security.
Analysis of Key Metrics
Analyzing key metrics in the context of the Splunk ESG report is crucial for several reasons. First, these metrics provide measurable insights into the company’s performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. This method of assessment enables stakeholders to evaluate not just the targets set by Splunk but how well they are meeting these goals over time. Moreover, quantifiable measures help align Splunk's objectives with broader industry standards. With the rising emphasis on transparency, this analysis addresses the growing expectation for clear evidence of corporate responsibility. It presents actionable data that stakeholders, like investors and customers, can scrutinize, thereby enhancing trust and credibility.
Quantitative Metrics
Quantitative metrics in the Splunk ESG report delve into numeric data that provides a solid foundation for assessment. These metrics typically cover aspects such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, waste reduction, and social spending. For instance, stakeholders can look at metrics like total GHG emissions reduced or energy efficiency improvements measured in kilowatt-hours. These figures allow investors to calculate a company's carbon footprint or its advancements toward sustainability goals. By utilizing quantifiable indicators, Splunk lays a transparent path to assess its environmental initiatives.
Further, organizations can compare their quantitative data against industry benchmarks. This comparison can reveal performance gaps and drive competitive strategies, pushing Splunk to either match or exceed its peers.
Key Metrics to Consider:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions rollbacks
- Energy efficiency percentages improved
- Sustainability tech investments by percentage
- Diversity metrics like percentage of women in leadership positions
- Employee engagement scores from surveys
Ultimately, these numbers can resonate more loudly in risk assessments and decision-making processes among stakeholders than qualitative assertions.
Qualitative Metrics
While quantitative metrics provide numerical data, qualitative metrics present a more detailed narrative that enriches understanding. They focus on factors that a number alone can’t fully illustrate, such as employee satisfaction, organizational culture, and community impact. This dimension is particularly crucial when understanding Splunk’s commitments to social responsibility and governance.
For example, qualitative analysis might involve reviewing Splunk’s employee training programs, their engagement within underserved communities, or how ethical corporate governance is practiced and measured. These elements contribute to a stronger corporate identity and foster a work culture that values and promotes inclusion and corporate ethics.
Qualitative Aspects to Focus On:
- Employee training and development programs participation rates
- Cultural impact assessments of local community programs
- Ethics training adherence among employees
- Public perception through surveys or recreation of brand image
Qualitative metrics provide an essential context to quantitative data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of Splunk’s position in terms of corporate responsibility and ethics. When both types of metrics are presented together, they project one coherent picture that speaks to both the financial success and social fulfillment of the organization.
“The integration of qualitative and quantitative metrics creates a comprehensive view for stakeholders, elucidating the profound impacts of ESG strategy.”
Trends in Corporate ESG Reporting
Corporate ESG reporting is evolving rapidly in today’s business environment. Understanding trends within this domain equips stakeholders with insights into the effectiveness of sustainability and governance strategies across industries. These trends impact not only corporate reputation but also the broader economic environment and marketplace perceptions. By complying with recognized standards and best practices, companies stand to benefit from enhanced stakeholder trust and improved financial performance.
Industry Standards and Guidelines
Adherence to industry standards and guidelines forms the backbone of credible ESG reporting. Currently, various frameworks exist, promoting transparency and uniformity across different sectors. Prominent examples include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies like Splunk which step into these standards often experience multiple benefits:
- Consistency: Sets a recognizable benchmark against which stakeholders can measure performance.
- Comparability: Enables easier comparison among peers, removing ambiguity in reported metrics.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps companies to navigate and align with legal obligations circumscribing environmental and social responsibilities.
Proficient implementation of these standards can mitigate the risks of greenwashing. Through robust compliance, firms display genuine commitment to sustainability, fostering allegiance and long-term support from customers and investors. This resonates strongly in sectors associated with cyber technologies, where public trust is extremely sensitive.
Emerging Best Practices
Best practices in ESG reporting are emerging as companies assess sustainable strategies to secure competitive advantage. As such, firms are beginning to integrate ESG disclosure into the core operations and strategic planning rather than treating it as a task relegated to an annual report. Some leading practices identified include:
- Developing Integrated Reporting: Unifying financial and non-financial metrics adds clarity and demonstrates a holistic understanding of operational impact. Thus, stakeholders may better ascertain risks and opportunities.
- Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Establishing continuous dialogue with stakeholders cultivates a two-way relationship that enhances not only accountability but also trust. Listening to diverse perspectives shapes ESG strategy more inclusively.
- Utilizing Technology and Data Analytics: Leveraging data analytics enables companies to collect, assess, and report ESG metrics efficiently. This can foster agility in responding to changes in environmental or social trends.
"Progress demands more than a situational response; it necessitates a modellar shift ingrained into the corporate psyche."
In summary, keeping abreast of trends and implementing emerging best practices is instrumental for organizations intent on advancing their ESG initiatives. For Splunk and similar companies, such movements resonate deeply in shaping corporate philosophies toward sustainable innovation and integrity.
Impact of ESG on Stakeholder Engagement
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors have become crucial in guiding how businesses engage with their stakeholders. Engaging in transparent and authentic ESG reporting can significantly influence corporate performance and perception. It manifests in various areas including customer loyalty, investor funding, and employee satisfaction.
This impact extends beyond mere regulatory compliance. When companies like Splunk effectively integrate ESG objectives, they can realy enhance their credibility with multiple stakeholders. Investors look for responsible practices, while consumers increasingly prioritize ethical considerations in their spending decisions.
Investor Perspectives
From an investor viewpoint, ESG considerations play an integral role in the decision-making process. The historical focus largely concentrated on financial performance. However, recent data indicates a shift toward evaluating how well a company manages environmental and social risks. Investors now recognize that strong ESG indicators correlate with superior risk management and sustainable returns.
Investors weigh several factors:
- Sustainability Performance Metrics: Vital factors like carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste management often come under scrutiny. Splunk's commitment to lowering its carbon footprint and investing in green technologies significantly affects investor confidence.
- Governance Structures: Investors favor companies with diverse boards and transparent governance plans. Good governance practices can mitigate risks associated with mismanagement or unethical behavior.
- Long-term Viability: Investors aim for future stability. An effective ESG strategy signals a corporation's resilience to various external pressures. In often volatile markets, companies focused on sustainable practices tend to demonstrate enhanced longevity.
Consumer Expectations
Consumer behavior has evolved alongside greater awareness of sustainability issues. Today’s consumers show a heightened interest in the ethical implications of the products and services they consume. They actively seek brands that demonstrate commitment towards social responsibility and environmental impact.
Several dimensions of consumer expectations include:
- Product and Service Transparency: Consumers demand clarity on how products are made and how sustainable those processes are. Companies like Splunk can build trust through open communication about their supply chains and resource management.
- Corporate Social Initiatives: A commitment to community engagement and social causes enhances brand loyalty. When consumers see companies actively giving back or improving social conditions, they're likelier to align with those brands.
- Consistency with Mission and Vision: The alignment of a brand's actions with its stated mission strengthens consumer trust. Brands failing to adhere to their ESG promises face backlash, leading to diminishing customer support.
In summary, the impact of ESG on stakeholder engagement is profound and multifaceted. Companies focusing on transparent and sustainable practices not only attract investors but also cultivate a loyal customer base. For a business like Splunk, the continuous evaluation of these relationships becomes a key determinant of long-term success.
"In the era of corporate responsibility, ESG isn’t just a framework; it's integral to maintaining a competitive edge.”
Splunk's ESG Goals and Achievements
Splunk’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals reflect the organization's commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. By implementing these strategies, Splunk aims not only to enhance its business operations but also to positively impact society and the environment. Understanding these objectives is crucial for stakeholders, including investors, consumers, and employees, as they seek transparency and accountability in corporate practices. These goals represent more than compliance; they signal a proactive approach towards building a sustainable future.
Progress towards Environmental Goals
One of the central aspects of Splunk's ESG initiatives is its commitment to environmental goals. The company recognizes its responsibility to minimize its ecological footprint while providing critical tools for data analysis which can aid in environmental monitoring.
Key Achievements:
- Carbon Neutrality: Splunk announced its intention to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations. This includes reducing energy consumption a the same time as investing in renewable resources whenever possible.
- Sustainable Data Centers: Splunk is actively working to enhance its data center operations to optimize energy efficiency. Employing strategies like liquid cooling, customersale energy management tools significantly cuts energy wastage.
By focusing on these key areas, Splunk not only limits its negative environmental impact but encourages the industry to prioritize eco-conscious practices. The integration of green technology also strengthans the company’s reputation in the market.
Social Responsibility Achievements
Apart from environmental concerns, Splunk greatly emphasizes its social responsibilities. These responsibilities cover a variety of areas, including community support, employee engagement, and diversity.
Notable Initiatives:
- Community Engagement: Splunk has established various partnerships with non-profit organizations to support education, technology access, and community resilience. This strengthens the skillsets of younger generations in tech fields.
- Diversity and Inclusion: A significant highlight of Splunk’s social responsibility efforts is its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company has set specific targets for increasing diversity in its workforce, ensuring that various perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
- Employee Wellbeing Programs: These programs are designed to promote employee health, mental wellbeing, and work-life balance. Such measures enhance overall employee satisfaction and ultimately boost productivity.
Through these initiatives, Splunk demonstrates that its commitment to social responsibility is not just about corporate image; it's about genuinely contributing to society.
Challenges in ESG Reporting
The complexity of ESG reporting poses several challenges that organizations must face to ensure accuracy and compliance. Properly understanding these challenges is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of any ESG framework. Challenges can affect transparency and lead to skepticism among stakeholders, thus impacting a company's reputation.
One significant challenge in ESG reporting is data integrity. Without accurate and verified data, practical decision-making becomes flawed. Organizations need to harness reliable information from various sources while mitigating biases inherent in self-reported data. The lack of standardized data collection processes can lead to inconsistencies across different reports. Addressing these issues is fundamental to determine any meaningful assessment of a company’s social and environmental initiatives.
Another critical challenge arises from regulatory compliance. Companies must navigate a patchwork of regulations across different jurisdictions. Organizations are required to follow local, national, and international rules that govern ESG disclosures. Varying regulations may lead to confusion, requiring corporations to invest significant resources in compliance initiatives. Engaging legal advice can add to the costs, while non-compliance may introduce heavy penalties, additionally undermining trust from investors and the public.
The commitment to transparent reporting might be overshadowed by the fear of regulatory backlash creating a challenging duality for organizations.
To summarize the key points in this section:
- Understanding and overcoming data integrity issues is crucial.
- Compliance demands a careful account of shifting regulations must be prioritized.
A successful ESG strategy hinges on both reliable data and adherence to regulatory standards. Striking the right balance aids in improving an organizations' standing and mitigating risks to stakeholder confidence.
The Future of ESG Reporting
The realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is poised for significant transformation as organizations globally recognize its importance in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. In the context of Splunk's ESG report, the future signifies the interplay between technological evolution and the shaping of standards that govern reporting practices.
With the growing emphasis on transparency and accountability in corporate behavior, the implications of ESG reporting will only intensify. Stakeholders, including investors and consumers, are increasingly demanding thorough, accessible, and truthful disclosures that reflect genuine commitments to sustainability and ethical governance. These developments mandate organizations like Splunk to stay ahead of the curve and embrace the forthcoming changes actively.
Technological Advancements
Technological progress serves as a pivotal driver in the evolution of ESG reporting. Innovations such as AI and machine learning will enhance the ability to analyze large datasets swiftly and accurately. For example, firms can implement real-time tracking systems to assess their environmental footprint and social impact continuously, rather than on a periodic basis.
Such advancements can lead to enhanced reporting accuracy. AI algorithms can parse through terabytes of data to summarize impacts that were previously challenging to identify. Moreover, blockchain technology could offer immutable records related to sustainability claims, increasing trust among stakeholders.
These technologies are not just tools; they represent a shift towards predictive analytics in ESG reporting. Companies can leverage patterns in data to forecast potential risks and opportunities, leading to more proactive governance. By utilizing scalable technology solutions, Splunk aims to create dynamic ESG frameworks that adapt to both external pressures and indigenous objectives.
Evolving Standards
The landscape of ESG reporting is also influenced by changing standards, such as those set forth by global organizations. One key consideration is the upcoming integration of ESG reporting with financial metrics under frameworks like the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the UK Corporate Governance Code. This evolves the expectations for transparency and accountability.
The rise of sector-specific standards further complicates this picture. Sectors such as technology may implement customized elements focused on digital privacy and cybersecurity impacts, accentuating the glaring need for companies like Splunk to adapt their frameworks accordingly.
Regulatory agencies and NGOs increasingly advocate for standardized ESG metrics to drive comparability across different industries. As norms continue to tighten, companies that do not comply may suffer reputational damage or financial penalties.
"In the future, organizations that prioritize authentic ESG commitments will thrive, while those that lag will be left behind."
Culmination
The significance of the Conclusion section cannot be understated in the context of this article on Splunk's ESG report. This concluding segment serves to encapsulate the key discoveries made throughout the analysis, reinforcing the essential findings that impact stakeholders. It solidifies the narrative by weaving together the data, trends, and implications discussed, giving readers a coherent and succinct wrap-up.
Summary of Findings
In reviewing the Splunk ESG report, several crucial insights come to light. First, the comprehensive nature of the report highlights Splunk's commitment to understanding its environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. It defines the organization's aspiration to integrate sustainability into its core practices rather than treating it as an appendage to corporate strategy.
This ESG report illustrates not only compliance with existing regulations but also a forward-thinking approach that anticipates future trends. Some of the key points include:
- The emphasis on quantitative metrics provides a benchmark for tracking progress and accountability.
- Engagement with stakeholders demonstrates a baseline for understanding their expectations amid an evolving market landscape.
- Identifying data integrity issues is vital for ensuring truthfulness in reports and effective decision-making for long-term strategies.
As such, these aspects contribute significantly to the conversation within the industry, establishing Splunk's role as both a proactive participant and a thought leader in ESG reporting.
Implications for the Industry
The implication of these findings extends beyond Splunk itself; it reflects a broader trend within the industry. Companies are increasingly pressured to adopt and report on ESG factors as stakeholders—investors and consumers alike—demand greater transparency and accountability.
With the rise of advanced technological tools and methods for ESG reporting, organizations are learning to navigate and refine their sustainability strategies more effectively. This includes:
- The use of advanced data analytics tools, such as those offered by Splunk, that enhance accuracy and foster confidence.
- Implementing best practices to ensure the organization's image resilience in the face of social scrutiny.
- Recognition that a commitment to ESG factors can enhance competitive advantage, appealing to a growing market segment concerned with corporate values.
Ultimately, the shift highlighted in the insights from Splunk's ESG report signals a transformative period of accountability wherein technology dovetails with corporate responsibility. This evolution aligns with the overarching move towards sustainability that not only can define industry standards but can also invigorate public trust and engagement.
