5 things you need to know about the BLUE® method: a strategy for sustainable growth, by Jérôme Taieb
18 Apr 2025
The ecological and social transition is now a must for companies. Integrating these issues into their growth strategy has become a necessity. In response to this challenge, Jérôme Taieb @ Make and @ Board Value - created the BLUE® method. This innovative, practical approach combines economic performance and sustainability. Discover 5 key points about this methodology, which aims to transform companies and their impact on the world.
1. A method that reconciles growth and sustainability
The BLUE® method is based on a strong conviction: the ecological and social transition is not a "plus" or a simple marketing argument, but an essential strategic lever for companies. As Jérôme Taieb points out: "It's no longer a nice-to-do. It's not something you do if you have the time, it's strategic. It has to be at the heart of the company's strategy.
BLUE® aims to naturally integrate new sustainability challenges into corporate strategy. This approach places environmental, social and economic issues at the heart of development plans, rather than treating them as secondary aspects. In this way, companies can better anticipate and manage the risks associated with these areas.
2. A collaborative, cross-functional approach
One of the pillars of the BLUE® method is collaboration between different experts. Jérôme Taieb: " As a business expert, I work closely with a consultant specializing in impact and transition. Together, we build a strategy where 1 + 1 = 3."
This approach is based on a constant dialogue between economic and environmental dimensions. This enables us to develop pragmatic solutions, in which economic growth and sustainability are mutually reinforcing. The idea is not to leave managers alone in the face of often complex injunctions, but to provide them with concrete tools and technical solutions adapted to their sector.
3. A pragmatic, quantified methodology
BLUE® doesn't just provide a vague list of actions to be taken: each decision is prioritized and costed, to maximize its impact. Jérôme Taieb insists on the importance of being concrete: "We don't make a list à la Prévert. We define strategic priorities by identifying the real areas of risk and the key opportunities for the company. And we put numbers in the boxes."
For example:
- Carry out a carbon assessment to understand the company's environmental impact.
- Identify potential savings (less raw materials, reduced waste).
- Demonstrate how these actions can enhance appeal to end consumers.
This pragmatic approach makes it possible to reconcile immediate economic objectives with strategic investments for the future.
A concrete example: supporting a player in the food industry
One application of the BLUE® method involves a food industry player faced with packaging and food waste issues.
- Problem: the customer needed to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging while remaining competitive on price.
- Solution: thanks to a partnership with a technical center, the BLUE® method has made it possible to develop new, more environmentally-friendly packaging, while reducing costs linked to the consumption of raw materials.
- The result: not only has the investment paid off, but the company has also enhanced its appeal to consumers and business partners alike.
4. Tools and partners to support the transition
The BLUE® method also relies on specialized tools and partners to support companies in their transition:
- Carbon footprint and materiality analysis: Jérôme Taieb trained himself in these tools to understand the scientific and technical foundations of environmental transition. Even though this is not his core business, he works with experts capable of carrying out these analyses.
- Customized technical solutions: BLUE® collaborates with leading-edge technical centers to propose concrete solutions, such as new, more environmentally-friendly packaging or industrial processes.
- Financial modeling tools: Business plans include detailed projections to show that the transition is economically viable.
"I never leave a manager alone with a problem. "We work together to develop technical solutions and business plans that demonstrate that the required investments are feasible for the company," explains Jérome.
5. A method adapted to all sectors, especially industry
Although BLUE® can be applied to any type of business, the method is particularly relevant to industrial sectors, where the transition challenges are major. Jérôme Taieb points out: " Industry faces multiple challenges: sourcing raw materials, reducing carbon footprints, and managing non-ecological packaging. But these challenges are also opportunities for transformation.
In sectors such as agri-food, for example:
- The transition is already underway, with major retailers like Carrefour imposing strict packaging, energy and sustainability standards on their suppliers.
- Consumers are changing: both younger and older generations are increasingly aware of the ecological impact of the products they consume.
The BLUE® method offers companies practical, tailor-made solutions to overcome these obstacles, while taking into account their economic constraints.
BLUE®, a method for building the future of business
The BLUE® method is more than just a reflection on ecological transition: it's a comprehensive methodology that combines economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
As Jérôme Taieb sums up:
"It's not a question of greenwashing, but of realizing that sustainability is an essential strategic lever. Companies that fail to adapt run the risk of falling behind, or even out of the game."
Ready to transform your business model and build sustainable growth? Adopt the BLUE® method and make sustainability a strategic asset.
Jérôme Taieb's background: an expert in strategy and entrepreneurship
Jérôme Taieb, a graduate of HEC with a specialization in marketing, has built up a rich career spanning more than 25 years. With 12 years' experience in the food industry, he has held a number of important positions: product manager, business developer and innovative entrepreneur in the foodservice industry. In 2011, he turned to business strategy consulting. For the past 14 years, he has been helping SMEs, mid-sized companies and investment funds to develop their growth strategies. His approach blends market analysis, business plan development and entrepreneurial practicality. His diversified background, covering the agri-food, automotive and B2B sectors, enables him to offer managers practical, tailor-made advice.
Contact Jérome Taieb - jtaieb@makestrategy.fr or visit his website.