Integrating Antifragility into Sustainability Strategies for Long-Term Success

Abstract

This article explores the conceptual relevance of antifragility for sustainable development and organizational sustainability, proposing a shift from the traditional focus on resilience towards a more robust framework centered on antifragility. The discussion is grounded in the general research hypothesis that antifragility, rather than resilience alone, is essential for achieving both intra- and intergenerational sustainability, as well as ensuring long-term survival in the face of unpredictable challenges. While resilience emphasizes the capacity of systems and organizations to recover from shocks, antifragility goes beyond this by suggesting that systems can actually benefit and grow stronger from such disruptions. The article argues that current sustainability strategies should evolve from merely enabling recovery to actively preventing or eliminating unsustainable practices and fragilities. When necessary, these unsustainable activities should be replaced with alternatives that are less harmful and more robust. The concept of antifragility offers a paradigm shift that could better equip organizations and systems to not only withstand but also thrive in the face of unforeseen future events that might otherwise threaten their existence. This approach requires a fundamental reassessment of sustainability strategies, moving towards proactive measures that enhance the ability of systems to adapt and improve through adversity. The article serves as a foundational discussion for future research, which will further explore how antifragility can be integrated into sustainability frameworks. By addressing the limitations of resilience-focused strategies, it aims to contribute to the development of more comprehensive approaches that ensure long-term sustainability and organizational success in an increasingly volatile world. The article highlights the necessity of adopting antifragility as a core principle in sustainability efforts, advocating for strategies that not only mitigate risks but also capitalize on them to drive growth and innovation within organizations and systems.