SHDB can serve as a valuable tool to conduct risk assessments around complex social issues.

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The Social Hotspot Database consists of a multi-regional economic input-output data which provides local and global supply chains and links these to a broad range of social metrics aligned per sector and per country.   
The Social Hotspot Database is a tool that supports not only supply chain managers, but has applications for policy-makers, development organizations, investors and donors as well. 
This information is not produced to provide an incentive to divestment in high-risk regions. On the contrary, the data made available should direct attention to social issues that are in need of enhanced engagement.

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 Examples of  SHDB applications are listed below:

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• Prioritize site-specific data collection and audits.

• Produce product category and commodity sustainability assessment.

• Inform Socially Responsible purchasing processes (e.g. questions to be asked when sourcing).

• Advise investment opportunities.

• Provide perspective and context to site-specific assessment results and sustainability reporting.

• Develop sponsored programs designed to improve the social conditions of production.

• Communicate about governmental policy and programs.

• Assess/report on the scope of a certification or social footprint results.

• Educate about the social conditions of production.
   

In particular, recent applications of the SHDB by our users include:

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• Project sustainability assessments: a UK university used it for a biorefinery sustainability assessment. A large number of consultants and academics located on 4 continents report using the SHDB portal in their projects.

• Supply chain social due diligence: the US Cradle to Cradle Institute certification encourages participating companies to use the SHDB to conduct supply chain social risk reviews.

• Trading partners sustainability performance assessment: an EU government agency is using the tool to perform an initial assessment.