“Thematically, my research is situated within the field of sustainability governance.”

An interview with our fellow Lena Gigerl

International focus and interdisciplinarity

Romy & Jonathan: Hello Lena, you have been a member of the Research Training Group since April 2023. Could you share the motivations that led you to apply for the RTG “Standards of Governance”?

Lena: I found the topic and the research questions guiding the RTG’s work to be highly engaging. Beyond the program’s international orientation and interdisciplinary nature, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to pursue my doctorate within a collaborative team of doctoral researchers. The prospect of a planned research stay also greatly appealed to me. Moreover, I believe that the RTG’s strong emphasis on my individual academic development throughout the doctoral process distinguishes it from other doctoral programs.

“Standards in this area are often negotiated, set and disseminated in the Global North”

Romy & Jonathan: The title of the RTG is quite broad. What are your preliminary reflections on the concept of “standards of governance”?

Lena: My response is, of course, shaped by our discussions within the RTG, but is primarily informed by my own doctoral project. In this context, I focus on the extraterritorial dimensions of established standards. On a more conceptual level, I believe it is crucial to critically examine the extent to which the setting and dissemination of standards may be linked to claims of universalization. The normative implications of these claims are primarily explored by colleagues in political theory, though such questions are of relevance to all of us engaged in the broader research.

Romy & Jonathan: What is the focus of your research, and in which thematic direction is your dissertation progressing?

Lena: Thematically, my research is situated within the field of sustainability governance, with a particular focus on the regulation of supply chains. My work explores how due diligence obligations are used to address the negative externalities of corporate practices and production methods, such as human rights violations and environmental degradation. Standards in this area are often negotiated, established, and disseminated by entities in the Global North, such as the European Union. A central aim of this standardization process is to hold transnational corporations accountable for their (unsustainable) production practices in the Global South. The primary focus of my research lies in the tension surrounding the extraterritorial dimensions of these standards.

“Competing interests and challenges have far-reaching implications for society at large”

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you for providing insight into your project. To what degree does your research hold social relevance?

Lena: The social relevance of my research project is underscored by its connection to the pressing challenges of the climate crisis. Current data unequivocally demonstrate an urgent need for action to achieve the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. However, the pathways to realizing this target remain highly contested. This is particularly evident in the context of EU supply chain regulation, where conflicting demands arise from citizens, businesses, and political parties, as well as divergent positions among EU member states. Furthermore, scholarly analyses reveal unintended consequences of prior regulatory efforts. I contend that the ways in which these competing interests and challenges are navigated have far-reaching implications for society at large.

Romy & Jonathan: Has your doctoral project evolved or become more focused since you joined the RTG programme?

Lena: Yes, and in view of the current developments surrounding the EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability, my project will probably continue to change. At the same time, significant activity is taking place beyond the EU, including national legislation in various countries and the UN Treaty Process on Business and Human Rights. These developments are mirrored in the academic literature: the field of research on mandatory due diligence is still in its nascent stages, making my doctoral project inherently exploratory. Moreover, within the framework of the RTG, we are continuously refining our conceptual understanding of standards and standardization, further contributing to the advancement of this emerging area of study.

“The shared focus on the overarching theme of Standards of Governance serves as a connecting thread.“

Romy & Jonathan: A doctorate within a Research Training Group differs from other forms of doctoral study in several ways. In your view, what are the key advantages of pursuing a doctorate within such a framework?

Lena: Being part of a team is something I deeply value, particularly the sense of collaboration and community among us doctoral researchers. The shared focus on the overarching theme of Standards of Governance serves as a connecting thread, fostering interdisciplinary exchange. This exchange is facilitated not only through collaborative work in small groups but also through joint events. The colloquium, in particular, provides a unique opportunity to receive feedback from individuals whose perspectives I might not have encountered outside the shared framework of the RTG. This collective environment enriches both the academic and personal dimensions of the research experience.

Romy & Jonathan: The RTG comprises political scientists, sociologists, philosophers, and legal scholars. How does this interdisciplinarity and diversity contribute to the development of your doctoral project?

Lena: In my view, the interdisciplinary nature of the RTG is immensely beneficial. Engaging with colleagues from diverse disciplines not only provides valuable insights into their areas of expertise but also offers fresh perspectives on my own doctoral project—and, ultimately, on my own discipline. For instance, interdisciplinary collaboration often prompts a critical re-evaluation of subject-specific terminology. I have learned, for example, that the term procedural carries significantly different connotations in political science compared to law. Such exchanges enhance conceptual clarity and help refine one’s own use of terminology. Additionally, interdisciplinarity demands that researchers communicate their work in a manner accessible to those outside their field, which, in turn, fosters a deeper understanding of one’s own research.

Romy & Jonathan: How does the collaboration between the Goethe University and the Technical University of Darmstadt influence your research and doctoral project?

Lena: The collaboration between the two universities serves as a valuable interface for exploring topics related to international relations and international political economy. This partnership facilitates connections with individuals and networks relevant to one’s research project. Additionally, the alternating locations of RTG events between the two universities provide opportunities to engage with diverse academic environments, further enriching the research experience and fostering cross-institutional exchange.

New impulses through international research stays

Romy & Jonathan: What benefits do you anticipate gaining from the international research opportunities provided within the framework of the Research Training Group?

Lena: An international research stay presents valuable opportunities not only for data collection but also for gaining fresh insights and alternative perspectives on one’s work. Such an experience allows for the establishment of new academic and professional connections, which can be instrumental for future collaboration. Additionally, immersing oneself in the processes and academic culture of another university provides a unique chance to broaden one’s understanding of institutional practices, enriching both personal and professional development.

Romy & Jonathan: What are the key focus areas and objectives of your research in the coming months?

Lena: Currently, we are collaboratively developing shared definitions in small working groups, a process that will undoubtedly continue in the coming months. Simultaneously, I will further refine my conceptual understanding of standards and standardization as part of my ongoing research. A RTG retreat focusing on this and related topics is scheduled for the end of May, which will provide an excellent opportunity for in-depth discussions and progress. Additionally, planning and organizing my upcoming research stay will become an important priority in the near future.

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you very much for your interesting answers.

The interview was conducted by Romy Knappe and Jonathan Mück in May 2024.