The purpose of the association is (a) to promote scientific research in the field of sustainable value chains, (b) to exchange with interest groups from science, society, economy, politics and administration within the framework of this research, and (c) to communicate scientific findings from this research area. The goal is to actively influence the development of economic systems towards global ecological, social and economic responsibility. Research supported by the ISVC must demonstrate both scientific rigor and practical relevance. Communication of scientific findings supported by the ISVC must work with both specialized media and mass media and the arts. In order to do justice to the importance of internationality in this field, the ISVC supports both approaches related to Switzerland and international approaches. The supported activities (d) identify, analyze and evaluate the challenges that arise for society, the environment and the economy from the existing segmented value creation in multi-stage value chains, and (e) develop and evaluate approaches to overcome these challenges. They must take place in exchange with various interest groups. The ISVC supports research or communication projects through scholarships to the person(s) involved (person-based funding), provided this is legally possible for the person to be supported. This also applies to research or communication projects involving several people. Organizations are only financially supported in justified exceptional cases. The association can hold conferences and events, publish publications, and collect funds for the purpose of the association. The association is non-profit. It does not pursue commercial goals and does not strive for profit. The organs are active on a voluntary basis.