Advancing Sustainable Fashion Research at SPRU.

My Eu-SPRI Early Career Researcher and PhD Researcher Circulation Scheme visit with SPRU at the University of Sussex gave me the opportunity to deepen my doctoral research on sustainable business model innovation in the fashion industry and strengthen its links with sustainability transitions, innovation policy and consumer engagement.

As a PhD researcher at Politecnico di Milano, my research examines how certification mechanisms, particularly B Corp certification, influence the adoption and development of sustainable business models across fashion supply chains. During my three-month visit, hosted by Dr Xiangming “Tommy” Tao, I refined my conceptual and analytical framework, sharpened my qualitative case study design and further developed my interview protocols.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the visit was progress on several academic outputs. I completed a manuscript on how sustainable business models are accommodated in fashion through an activity-based perspective, which has been submitted to the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management. I also advanced a second paper exploring the role of digital platforms in educating and engaging consumers in sustainable fashion, comparing B Corp-certified and non-certified companies. In addition, I began developing a further manuscript focused on standardisation and policy innovation.

The visit also enabled me to participate in seminars and research discussions with SPRU and colleagues across the wider University of Sussex. Sessions on science and politics, circular resource use and consumer culture broadened my perspective and helped me position sustainable fashion within a wider system involving firms, consumers, governments, intermediaries and cultural contexts. These conversations encouraged me to move beyond observing industry practices and focus more closely on the underlying mechanisms that shape sustainability transitions.

Looking ahead, I plan to build on this work through more detailed case studies of fashion companies adopting B Corp certification and other sustainability-oriented practices. I also hope to continue the academic relationships developed during my time with SPRU, creating opportunities for future collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and the University of Sussex.

My experience highlights the value of the Eu-SPRI circulation scheme in helping doctoral researchers deepen their work, expand their networks and connect sustainability research with real-world business and policy challenges.