Academics and policymakers at odds: the case of the IFRS Foundation Trustees’ consultation paper on sustainability reporting

Purpose This paper aims to examine the nature of academic engagement with policy and (lack of) responsiveness by policymakers scientific community through development International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation Trustees’ Consultation Paper on Sustainability (IFRS Foundation, 2020). Design/methodology/approach The 577 submissions IFRS consultation were reviewed, 39 identified as being submitted academics. These included collectively 104 signatories from 74 organisations or networks 20 countries. They analysed using NVivo. Drawing literature techniques used discredit credit arguments, we responses questions, particularly those concerning: role Foundation; perceptions “investor perspective”; audience for reporting; definition materiality; a climate first approach. Findings majority (72%) opposed proposals key issues. dissenting have substantial research records in sustainability reporting its outcomes. Those supportive significantly less likely reference state their credentials and, despite supportive, nevertheless raised concerns proposals. Practical implications Senior academics undertaking field engaged, unusually high numbers, they believe will not work maybe counter achieving sustainable development. findings underscore importance highlighting discrediting strategies tactics this discursive “battle”. legitimacy sustainability-related initiatives which are engaging relevant community. Social Policy that judged potentially harmful attract more intense, activist sustained supported evidence. Originality/value identifies evidence-based highlights need persist over. It collective view paper.