The role of networks in supporting micro- and small-sized sustainable fashion businesses

IF 3.6 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy Pub Date : 2022-08-08 DOI:10.1080/15487733.2022.2097772

C. Eckert, P. Crommentuijn-Marsh, S. Black

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引用次数: 3

Abstract

Abstract Micro- and small-sized sustainable fashion businesses benefit greatly from their formal and informal networks which provide a wide variety of support and services. This exploratory study reports on the findings of a UK-based research project that investigated 27 firms in this category. We focus on four case studies comprising two designers running their own labels and two product developers who support other designers. Our analysis maps the networks of these micro- and small-sized sustainable fashion businesses. Taking an approach informed by actor-network theory (ANT), we describe human, organizational, and social media actors in formal and informal networks. We show how networks are formed and extended through supply-chain relationships, professional networks, and the serendipity of personal and online contacts. Focusing on informal networks, the article also discusses the models of working and the role that geographical (or physical) and cognitive proximity plays. The networks of sustainable businesses particularly depend on trust and shared values and help designers to understand and increase their sustainable practices.

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网络在支持微型和小型可持续时尚企业中的作用

微型和小型可持续时尚企业从其正式和非正式的网络中受益匪浅，这些网络提供了各种各样的支持和服务。这项探索性研究报告了英国的一个研究项目的结果，该项目调查了27家这类公司。我们专注于四个案例研究，包括两个经营自己品牌的设计师和两个支持其他设计师的产品开发人员。我们的分析绘制了这些微型和小型可持续时尚企业的网络。采用行动者网络理论(ANT)的方法，我们描述了正式和非正式网络中的人类、组织和社交媒体行动者。我们展示了网络是如何通过供应链关系、专业网络以及个人和在线联系的意外发现来形成和扩展的。关注非正式网络，文章还讨论了工作模式以及地理(或物理)和认知接近所起的作用。可持续商业网络尤其依赖于信任和共同的价值观，并帮助设计师理解和提高他们的可持续实践。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy Social Sciences-Geography, Planning and Development

CiteScore

12.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

27 weeks

期刊介绍： Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy is a refereed, open-access journal which recognizes that climate change and other socio-environmental challenges require significant transformation of existing systems of consumption and production. Complex and diverse arrays of societal factors and institutions will in coming decades need to reconfigure agro-food systems, implement renewable energy sources, and reinvent housing, modes of mobility, and lifestyles for the current century and beyond. These innovations will need to be formulated in ways that enhance global equity, reduce unequal access to resources, and enable all people on the planet to lead flourishing lives within biophysical constraints. The journal seeks to advance scientific and political perspectives and to cultivate transdisciplinary discussions involving researchers, policy makers, civic entrepreneurs, and others. The ultimate objective is to encourage the design and deployment of both local experiments and system innovations that contribute to a more sustainable future by empowering individuals and organizations and facilitating processes of social learning.