This article explores how multi-stakeholder initiatives can help firms prepare to comply with due diligence legislation. Based on a qualitative analysis of the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, in the regulatory context of the German Supply Chain Act, we highlight the challenges firms face when being confronted with novel due diligence legislation. Our findings also document the organizational practices this MSI developed to support firms in getting ready for the German Supply Chain Act. Based on these insights, we advance knowledge on organizational change readiness by revealing the fine-grained practices that are conducive to developing such readiness. Furthermore, we unpack the role of MSIs as preparatory spaces that allow firms to freely voice concerns and fears around novel governmental regulations and offer room for collective experimentation, thereby contributing to a constructive relationship between business and government actors.
