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The Role of Private Philanthropy in Sustainability Standards Harmonization: A Case Study

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  • Marisa Camilher Camargo

    (Sustainability Advisory Oy, 00260 Helsinki, Finland
    Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI), Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7, P.O. Box 27, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Ryan Sarsfield

    (Independent Researcher, Washington, DC 20001, USA)

  • Markku Kanninen

    (Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI), Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7, P.O. Box 27, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
    Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Theresa Cashore

    (Independent Researcher, Victoria, BC V8P 0A7, Canada)

Abstract

Voluntary sustainability standards are often inconsistent and fragmented in terms of governance, complementarity, global applicability, and traction. Calls to harmonize this space have been intensifying. The objective of this study was to better understand the role that private philanthropy has played in helping to pave the way for globally consistent and comparable sustainability-related standards in the corporate sector, through the analysis of a case study. Twenty-four interviews with 31 stakeholders were carried out between October 2021 and January 2022, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The interview responses and qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas Ti software and open coding procedures. All interviewees spoke positively about the philanthropic intervention in question, and five main themes emerged: (1) strategic relevance and effective targeting of the intervention; (2) trust-building tactics: expertise, neutrality, and facilitation; (3) flexible and strategic interventions; (4) cultivating the standards harmonization philanthropic network; (5) strategic directions for philanthropy, moving forward. Three specific tactical approaches were identified that could help to orient future philanthropic action: (a) the steering of philanthropic support (both funding and non-financial support) toward ventures where such interventions can be advantageous, relative to formalized governmental interventions; (b) the facilitation of partnerships and trust, amid delicate interpersonal and organizational politics among standard-setters and donors alike; (c) the flexibility and specificity of grant requirements, coupled with a long-term vision.

Suggested Citation

  • Marisa Camilher Camargo & Ryan Sarsfield & Markku Kanninen & Theresa Cashore, 2023. "The Role of Private Philanthropy in Sustainability Standards Harmonization: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10635-:d:1187742
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