Fragmented governance of international value chains, operating in multiple jurisdictions, is insufficient to prevent social and environmental mismanagement. Smart Mixes, which are combinations of compulsory and voluntary measures, have been proposed as a possible means of securing environmental and social standards, but the concept has not been operationalized in the academic literature. The results suggest that Smart Mixes are effective when they cover a specific issue under conditions in which enforcement mechanisms create a level playing field: thereby aligning public and private sector interests. The keys to success in a Smart Mix include positive interactions, harmonization, and complementary and supportive measures, which combine to motivate engagement by the private sector. We conclude that Smart Mixes can contribute to sustainability in value chains but their effectiveness is dependent on the strength of the relationships between the measures that compose them.

In an interview, Sonja Tschirren, SWISSAID’s Climate Officer, explains why Niger is especially hard hit by Climate Change, how bleak the outlook is, and what responsibility Switzerland must shoulder

In a recent webinar the Syngenta Foundation offered a comprehensive perspective on the complex relationship between agriculture and public health, with a focus on malaria and sustainable rice cultivation.

official closing of the r4d programme with panel discussion featuring representatives from research, SDC and SNSF to reflect on the successes and results of the programme