Value Chain

A Theory or a Tool for Sustainable Development?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/62d3tm86

Keywords:

Circular economy, sustainable development goals, Triple Bottom Line, value chain

Abstract

This study explores whether the value chain (VC) is primarily a theory or a practical tool for sustainable development. Using the qualitative analytical approach based on thematic analysis of academic literature, institutional reports, and purposively selected global cases between 2010 and 2025, enabling cross-comparative analysis of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions shaping VC as tools for sustainable development. The findings indicate that VCs operate as practical instruments for achieving sustainable development rather than solely economic models or just a theory. Evidence across global cases shows consistent improvements in income generation, social inclusion, environmental performance, and governance coordination when VCs are formally structured and supported. This study offers a unified framework that demonstrates how VCs can drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, offering strategic insights for practitioners, policymakers, and industry actors for designing inclusive and climate-resilient interventions following the triple bottom line theory and the concept of circular economy.

Author Biographies

  • Krishna Dhakal, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal

    Krishna Dhakal is an agribusiness researcher at ICIMOD, examining value chains, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient agricultural systems in Nepal. His academic and professional work focuses on advancing green, resilient, and inclusive development and addressing the adverse effects of climate change through empirical research, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-based interventions.

  • Anu Joshi Shrestha, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal

    Anu Joshi Shrestha works at ICIMOD as an Enterprise and Value Chain Development Specialist, focusing on value chains and enterprise development, women empowerment, climate change adaptation, and works on the policy and practice interface. She brings more than 20 years of experience in inclusive value chain promotion, building resilient and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems, circular economy, promoting women-led green businesses, and innovation with start-ups in the field of agriculture, NTFP, energy, waste management, and air pollution solutions in Nepal, as well as Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, and India.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Interdisciplinary Journal of Innovation in Nepalese Academia

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Interdisciplinary Journal of Innovation in Nepalese Academia

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How to Cite

Value Chain: A Theory or a Tool for Sustainable Development?. (2025). Journal of Innovation in Academia , 4(2), 107-133. https://doi.org/10.32674/62d3tm86

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