Thesis abstract:

«p»In an era marked by increasing interconnectedness and global interdependence, multinational enterprises (MNEs) operate within global value chains (GVCs), which represent a system of decentralized and coordinated production that extends across regions and nations. While expectations for MNEs to embrace sustainability are on the rise, the challenge to promote sustainable initiatives throughout these dispersed GVCs persists due to the varying institutional contexts within which stakeholders operate and current geopolitical disruptions. This study aims to explore three main aspects concerning the advancement of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in GVCs. Firstly, it aims to explore the governance mechanisms employed by MNEs to overcome the barriers that arise from cross-national distance between them and their suppliers while fostering sustainability initiatives in GVCs. Secondly, it seeks to investigate collaborations between MNEs and non-traditional actors to promote sustainability practices in GVCs. Lastly, it aims to explore how multinational companies adapt their supply chain strategies in response to geopolitical disruptions and the implications of these adaptations for sustainability initiatives in GVCs. These objectives will be addressed through three distinct qualitative studies.«/p»