Stefano Ponte

Biography

"I am primarily interested in transnational economic and environmental governance, with focus on overlaps and tensions between private governance and public regulation. My research, fieldwork, teaching and policy work is informed by international political economy approaches, global value chain analysis and convention theory. I analyze governance dynamics and economic and environmental upgrading trajectories in global value chains — especially in developing countries and in Africa. I am particularly interested in how sustainability standards, labels and certifications shape agro-food value chains, and in how different forms of partnerships affect sustainability outcomes. I am also involved in projects critically examining the role of celebrities and branding in these processes, new forms of corporate social and environmental responsibility, and cause-related marketing. "

Research Interest

" Global Value Chains and Production Networks Sustainability -- especially standards, labels and certifications Cause-related marketing, Brand Aid, role of celebrity mediation Political economy of development and of Africa Business and Politics in Africa Partnerships for sustainability"