Go-Chains Project Update

~ francabuelow

It’s been a little quiet on our channels – but behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work! Our research cluster on the sustainability governance of global value chains officially got underway last year, supported by the Volkswagen Stiftung. Since then, our team has grown, with the final PhD researcher joining us in April.

In May, we hosted a one-day workshop to kick things off, spotlighting our brilliant Early Career Researchers and their exciting ideas for the coming four years. With a strong focus on governance, due diligence, and their links to sustainability and human rights, the day was full of inspiration (and great snacks). We explored synergies across our projects and shared ideas for engaging with practitioners, policymakers, and fellow researchers.

Our Go-Chains Team, photo by Christopher Krit Venzky-Stalling.

Some of our team members had the pleasure to present to be in Berlin for the ECPR Standing Group on Regulatory Governance conference at the Hertie School, where we presented joint research by Henrike Jost, Andrea Lenschow, Jens Newig, Jelto Makris, Michel Ortland, and Franca Bülow. Our project synthesises and compares research on the effects of mandatory due diligence regulation using a case survey approach. We presented a bird’s-eye view of the current research landscape and had the chance to discuss our findings in two thought-provoking panels on due diligence effects, chaired by Janina Grabs and Sophia Carodenuto, alongside a brilliant group of female scholars.

Henrike Jost, Franca Bülow, Jelto Makris and Michel Ortland at the Hertie School – just after two inspiring panels on due diligence regulation.

Just yesterday, we met with our advisory board to share a high-level overview of our plans and begin shaping collaborative pathways and mentoring structures.

Nora Grosse presenting her PhD project; Photo by Christopher Krit Venzky-Stalling.
Franca snapping a photo of Sofiya Pohursky’s presentation; Photo by Christopher Krit Venzky-Stalling.

We’re also putting the final touches on our website – stay tuned for introductions to our team, their projects as well as information on due diligence regulation! In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn at @Research Cluster GoChains.


Let’s connect – get in touch to talk all things governance, due diligence, and sustainability!

#DueDiligence #RegulatoryGovernance #SustainabilityGovernance #GlobalValueChains #VolkswagenStiftung #GOvernanceResearch #MandatoryDueDiligence #ECPR2025 #HertieSchool #AcademicCollaboration #PolicyResearch #SupplyChainRegulation

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