The growing body of empirical research on the impacts of global supply chain due diligence regulations reflects a crucial step in understanding their potential for fostering sustainable practices and mitigating harm. However, much of this evidence remains fragmented, derived primarily from individual qualitative case studies that explore specific laws or producing country contexts. To address this gap, our study conducts a meta-analysis of the empirical literature on the implementation of supply chain regulations, systematically comparing and synthesizing findings across existing qualitative case studies.
Drawing on a comprehensive systematic review, we analyze the intended and unintended effects of supply chain laws, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the German Supply Chain Act, and the French Duty of Vigilance Law, among others. Our analysis builds on and extends initial comparative studies, such as Gustafsson et al. (2023), by identifying patterns, contextual factors, and mechanisms that shape the effectiveness of these regulations.
Specifically, we assess how these laws influence producer country governments; businesses and their interplay with existing private governance instruments; implementation by public agencies; legal action taken by groups, including NGOs; court decisions; and the broader political dynamics surrounding their implementation. By synthesizing insights across diverse case studies, our meta-analysis highlights common challenges, such as enforcement gaps and capacity constraints, as well as the conditions under which regulations drive meaningful change.
