Promoting Responsible Value Chains in India for an Effective Contribution of the Private Sector to the SDGs

This project aims to develop sustainable and inclusive business models and practices in global value chains (GVCs) in India and to inform policy reforms and actions towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With constrained public budgets and aid, there is growing pressure on the private sector to contribute more effectively towards sustainable development. Sustainable development can only be achieved if private companies and investors are able to promote decent job creation and better economic opportunities for women and youth, and to address climate risks and opportunities. This is particularly important for countries such as India, where there is a critical need for job creation. The Indian private sector is dominated by suppliers/businesses that are part of GVCs and production networks and employ large numbers of vulnerable workers.

The project will undertake multidisciplinary research on different sectors of the GVCs to develop sustainable and inclusive business models; set up a multi-stakeholders platform to disseminate the results of the research and foster the necessary dialogue between stakeholders for policy reforms and actions; and communicate, discuss, and assess the impact of these platforms and outcomes of the research and dialogue. Sectors of interest include agro-based industry, mining and minerals, information and communication technology and electronics, and apparel and textiles.