What OpenAI can learn from the B Corp movement: Accountability, Governance, and Purpose

As AI technology continues to advance, companies like OpenAI are grappling with the responsibility of leading a new era of innovation while ensuring their technology benefits society. The stakes are high, and our community is shaping the public discourse. From B Lab co-founder Andrew Kassoy ’s op-ed in 纽约时报 challenging OpenAI to go beyond benefit corporation status, to Christopher Marquis ’ Fast Company article exploring governance models for ethical companies, the dialogue on the intersection of purpose, governance, and accountability in business is critical—and it’s as topical today as ever.

For nearly two decades, the global #BCorp movement has been at the forefront of reimagining how businesses can serve the public good while thriving financially. With over 9,000 companies across 162 industries, B Corps are proving that business can—and must—be a force for good. AI companies have much to learn from the B Corp movement, and three key lessons stand out.

1. A clear, specific purpose

As Andrew Kassoy noted, AI companies must clearly define their purpose and embed it in their corporate charters. AI has immense potential to benefit humanity, from drug development to tackling climate change, but without clear, enforceable commitments, that purpose can easily be lost in the pursuit of profit.

Responsible innovation, Kassoy argues, begins with a clear, specific purpose, supported by strong accountability and transparency measures, to ensure AI serves all stakeholders—not just shareholders. This principle has been championed for years, as thousands of B Corps around the world have embedded purpose deeply within their business models, consistently demonstrating that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive.

2. Transparency about action and impact

Christopher Marquis ’s Fast Company article highlights the growing call for companies to be transparent about their impact—publicly sharing clear, measurable actions that back up their promises. For OpenAI , both Marquis and Kassoy agree that becoming a public benefit corporation isn’t enough; transparency about the impact of its technology and the ethical implications of its applications is crucial.

#BCorps have led by example in this space, adopting rigorous standards—such as the B Impact Assessment—to measure and publish their performance in areas like governance, workers, community, and the environment. Andrew Kassoy calls for AI companies to implement transparent, annual, audited impact reporting using external standards, creating a layer of public accountability that aligns with their stated mission.?

3. Innovation in governance

Beyond purpose and accountability, governance is a critical area where AI companies can learn from B Corps. As Jorge Fontanez , CEO of B Lab U.S. & Canada , pointed out, companies like Patagonia have adopted innovative governance structures, such as the purpose trust, which legally safeguards their missions to ensure it outlasts any change in leadership or market pressure.??

Andrew Kassoy ’s op-ed also points to examples like Anthropic , which created a long-term benefit trust to protect its mission, and The Guardian , whose trust ensures journalistic independence. These structures prevent companies from veering away from their stated commitments when financial pressures mount. OpenAI , and other AI companies, could benefit from similar governance innovations to ensure that their purpose remains intact even as they scale and seek investment.

The future of AI: Finding purpose in technology

The rapid rise of AI technologies presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks. In response to B Lab’s op-ed, voices across the investing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and tech space emphasized that the future of OpenAI—and AI companies more broadly—will hinge on the governance models they adopt and the motivations of those steering the ship.

AI companies have the opportunity to draw from the experience of B Corps, rethinking what it means to innovate responsibly. By building on purpose, transparency, and governance, they can help usher in an era of technology that truly benefits humanity.