It is a delight to be celebrating Open Supply Hub’s 5th anniversary. When Laudes Foundation (formerly C&A Foundation) began supporting OS Hub – then the Open Apparel Registry – in 2017 it was just an idea on paper. To have known then where the Hub would be today, with 260k + unique facilities, 1,000 contributors, and thousands of users per month, the richness of data, and the diversity of support would have been quite stunning. Looking back at the original grant proposal, I am struck by the clarity of vision. Even then, before supply chain transparency was as mainstream as it is now (at least in the fashion sector), the Hub envisioned the pivotal role well-stewarded, open supply chain data would play in enabling accountability to and for people working in those supply chains.
Within this data ecosystem, Open Supply Hub plays a pivotal role, reversing the tendency for data to fragment across separate websites, or become locked behind a paywall that excludes the people and communities that it concerns. We’ve also learned that for data to be used it must be useful, and that means it has to be governed for the public benefit with resources invested in meeting the needs of users who would otherwise be excluded. That need has not faded with time. Philanthropy has a unique, enabling role to play in making sure the interests of those with less financial clout are considered alongside the customers who are able to pay, and that the governance of that data reflects that.
Looking ahead, Laudes Foundation is excited by this new phase for OS Hub. We’ve seen it grow from an idea, to pilot, to building out the organization and now this next shift in gear: centering impact, which of course can only happen on a strong foundation of all that has come before. In 2023, the OS Hub team refreshed their strategy, a process that was characterized by courage to see beyond what happens today, and by a deep commitment to learning through listening to diverse perspectives. Many Laudes Foundation grant partners now work with and rely on OS Hub data such as the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre who write:
“The Open Supply Hub plays a vital role in The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre’s corporate accountability work. We use the Hub daily to identify challenges connected to those companies with the most responsibility and leverage to drive positive change along supply chains. Without transparency, the work of human rights defenders and the organizations who support them is so much harder. This is why it’s so important for there to be a repository for this data through the Open Supply Hub, and an urgent need to continue work with industry leaders to drive greater supply chain disclosure as the norm.”
It is the inclusion of their input that gives us confidence in the future direction of OS Hub, and their connections and collaboration with each other that give us hope for more accountable supply chains.
A final word to any funders seeking to strengthen accountability to and for people working in global value chains amid climate transitions: if you don’t yet support OS Hub but are considering doing so, please do get in touch to have a chat, our door is always open.
OS Hub is a non-profit platform that relies on philanthropic support to sustain the world’s most complete, open and accessible supply chain map. Join us in powering the transition to safe and sustainable supply chains by making a donation today.
