Harnessing Data and Intelligence for Collective Advantage 2026

1 Data and measurement challenge –Information is collected in different formats, languages and levels of detail depending on the actors involved, leading to fragmentation and inconsistency. –Limited interoperability is caused by a lack of common data standards or taxonomies to link audit results, inspection findings and worker feedback. –Stakeholders lack consensus on which indicators define progress or how to measure prevalence consistently, resulting in measurement uncertainty. –Each actor sees only a fragment of the supply chain, limiting the ability to identify risks or verify conditions beyond their immediate reach. 2 Incentive challenge –Sharing data can appear risky without clear collective benefit, creating hesitation to disclose information that might expose weaknesses or invite scrutiny. –Businesses face commercial confidentiality and reputational concerns; governments prioritize sovereignty and legal mandates; and many actors – including civil society organizations, small enterprises and local authorities – operate with limited resources or infrastructure for secure data management. –Privacy obligations and ethical considerations regarding sensitive worker or operational data further discourage open sharing. 3 Trust challenge –Privacy and security concerns limit collaboration. –Historical mistrust among sectors discourages open exchange. –Without assurance that data will be used responsibly and reciprocally, even well- intentioned actors stay siloed. 4 Governance challenge –Existing initiatives lack an overarching framework to align accountability and measure collective impact. –Information flows vertically within sectors but rarely horizontally across them.Four systemic challenges: Data, incentives, trust and governance BOX 4 The vicious cycle of fragmentation FIGURE 1 and measurement Challenges with data for collaborationWeak incentives Lack of verifiable safeguards and ethical standardsLack of trusted governance The vicious cycle of fragmentation Source: World Economic Forum Harnessing Data and Intelligence for Collective Advantage: Ending Forced Labour in Global Supply Chains 8