A69: Exploring Stakeholder Engagement in Times of Controversy

Charline COLLARD; Aline P. PÜNDRICH; Jocelyne YALENIOS

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A69: Exploring Stakeholder Engagement in Times of Controversy

Charline COLLARD

TBS Education, France

Aline P. PÜNDRICH and Jocelyne YALENIOS

EM Strasbourg Business School, Humanis Research Center (UR 7308), France

Volume 22: 2025 pp. 163-174: ABSTRACT

This case study examines the controversial A69 motorway project—a 53 km toll road between Castres and Toulouse, in France—designed to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. Despite being declared a public utility, the project faced escalating resistance from local officials, environmental groups, and civil society, who criticized its environmental impact, lack of transparency, and questionable public interest. Allegations of opaque financing and lobbying by key stakeholders intensified scrutiny. Civil resistance included protests, hunger strikes, and legal actions. In 2025 a court of law ruled the project illegal due to the absence of an overriding public need, halting construction. This ongoing case, now under appeal, highlights broader tensions between economic development, environmental sustainability, and democratic accountability in large infrastructure projects. It offers students the possibility of exploring CSR from a broader perspective, allowing them to critically analyze a real-world situation.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, stakeholder dialogue, environmental ethics, sustainability, controversy.