We conceptualize glocalization as a form of institutional work that aims to address grand societal challenges such as the development of sustainable global value chains (GVCs) by connecting global and local actors. We study the attempts at glocalization work in a NGO-led multi-stakeholder initiative that includes private and public organizations, aimed at developing a sustainable textile supply chain in Ethiopia. We find that glocalization work in this setting entails contextualizing, upgrading and brokering. We discuss the implications of our findings for the study of GVCs and institutional work, as well as policy implications for the governance of sustainable GVCs.
