Governing electronics sustainability: Meta-evaluation of explanatory factors influencing modes of governance applied in the electronics value chain

Abstract

Electronics are produced, consumed and disposed of through a highly complex, globalised value chain, creating numerous challenges in the governance of sustainable electronics. To understand how sustainability is governed throughout the electronics value chain, this paper uses current literature to analyse the structure (e.g. actors) and composition (e.g. policy instruments) within electronics governance. These articles are then used to derive explanatory factors for the level of governance effectiveness in terms of sustainability outcomes across the electronics lifecycle. Conclusions show that state and corporate forms of governance have the most impact on sustainability. However, interactive mechanisms for sustainability governance which incorporate governments, companies, and civil society organisations can build trust and cooperation between actors. Moreover, incorporating various actors in a complimentary manner can reinforce government and corporate approaches, as a result, interactive governance may yield long-term sustainability results in the electronics industry.