Modern slavery and digitisation in ‘fast fashion’ supply networks: the transparency dividend

• In Event: EUROC 11 White-Collar and Corporate Crimes in Context I

Abstract

The concepts of ‘transparency’ and ‘due diligence’ have permeated discussions and decision-making processes within corporations in various ways – although their efficacy is hotly contested. Digital technology, especially tools such as AI and Blockchain technology, have the potential to affect how companies manage their supply networks, including their responses to forms of labour exploitation and modern slavery. The contribution of this paper is to examine to what extent digital technology has been effective in shaping corporate attitudes and behaviours towards addressing modern slavery in the garment manufacturing and retail sectors. This paper draws on a mixed methods study consisting of semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders and an assessment of the Fashion Transparency Index. We argue that despite some positive rhetoric, there is limited awareness and commitment towards implementing digital technologies across businesses and supply networks. This limited commitment is related both to the perceived value and feasibility of digital technology, but also to broader systemic challenges with recognising and reducing opportunities for exploitation to occur. Such a discussion will help to understand the motivations and attitudes of corporate actors when addressing exploitation within businesses, their subsidiaries, and other networks.

Authors

• Jon Davies, The University of Manchester

• Rose Broad, University of Manchester

• Amy Benstead, The University of Manchester