The government finds it important that companies are transparent about their social responsibility activities and policies. Therefore, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy carries out a bi-annual study, known as the Transparency Benchmark. This study is held amongst the largest companies in the Netherlands and aims to measure their transparency in reporting on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Normally, in the odd years, the Transparency Benchmark forms the basis for the Crystal Prize. This prize is awarded to the company that has the best CSR reporting in view of the Transparency Benchmark. In the even years the Cristal Prize goes to the organizations with the most inspiring example of reporting on a specific theme. However, in 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no Crystal Prize ceremony. Instead, there was an online Crystal event of which the theme fitted the current situation well. In 2021 the Transparency Benchmark as well as the Crystal Prize ceremony took place again. At the end of this year, as usual in a year without measurement, the Crystal Prize will be awarded on the basis of the Jury theme.