Impact pathways: improving supply chain sustainability by due diligence acts? Insights from a German case

PurposeBy January 1, 2023, the German supply chain due diligence act (SCDDA) has become effective. This represents a strong governmental intervention into global operations and supply chain management (SCM). Hence, its frame conditions and implications are worth being studied.Design/methodology/approachExpert interviews with managers reveal factors of risks and opportunities as well as performance impacts and implementation issues.FindingsA conceptual framework and research avenues are outlined.Research limitations/implicationsPathways for SCM research and interdisciplinary studies are suggested.Practical implicationsPractitioners may gain a deeper understanding of relevant factors for managing supply chains (SCs) that are exposed to the new act.Social implicationsUnderstanding implications of the act may help improve social SC sustainability.Originality/valueThis study offers an initial empirical exploration and a first conceptualization of the expected consequences of the German SCDDA.