Economic and Social Upgrading in Global Value Chains: Comparative Analyses, Macroeconomic Effects, the Role of Institutions and Strategies for the Global South

This book explores how global value chain governance, public institutions, and strategies in industrial policy and industrial relations shape upgrading in the Global South, combining sociological, economic, legal, and political dimensions. It provides case studies and insights into the role of global value chains for development, economic catching-up, and socio-political aspects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 600 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of global value chain governance, public institutions, and strategies in the realm of industrial policy and industrial relations. It explores the profound impact of these stakeholders, including national or global trade unions, governments, companies, and international NGOs, on the process of upgrading in the Global South. What sets this work apart is its interdisciplinary approach, seamlessly blending sociological, economic, legal, and political dimensions to provide a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Through meticulous case studies, the book offers a systematic comparison of diverse industry trajectories, shedding light on the factors that shape their evolution. Furthermore, it delves into the far-reaching implications of global value chains for development, economic catching-up, and socio-political aspects, including working conditions and interest representation. By examining these complex interconnections, the book offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global trade and its profound effects on societies worldwide. This scholarly work is a must-read for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding the complexities of the global economy and the strategies employed to promote sustainable development and equitable outcomes in the Global South.

Introduction:
The global value chain (GVC) is a complex network of interconnected businesses and processes that span across borders, involving the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the governance of GVCs has become a critical issue for policymakers and stakeholders. This book aims to investigate how global value chain governance, public institutions, and strategies in the area of industrial policy and industrial relations shape upgrading in the Global South.
Global Value Chain Governance:
Global value chain governance refers to the mechanisms and institutions that govern the operations and interactions of businesses within the GVC. It encompasses a wide range of actors, including multinational corporations, trade unions, governments, and international organizations. The governance of GVCs is shaped by a complex interplay of economic, political, and social factors.
Public Institutions:
Public institutions play a crucial role in shaping the governance of GVCs. Governments, for instance, can implement policies and regulations that affect the operations of businesses within the GVC, such as trade policies, labor laws, and environmental regulations. Trade unions, on the other hand, can advocate for workers' rights and improve working conditions within the GVC.
Strategies of Stakeholders:
Stakeholders such as national or global trade unions, governments, companies, and international NGOs have developed various strategies to influence the governance of GVCs. These strategies include collective bargaining, lobbying, and advocacy campaigns. Companies, for example, may engage in subcontracting and offshoring to reduce costs and increase efficiency, while international NGOs may focus on promoting sustainable development and human rights within the GVC.
Upgrading in the Global South:
The process of upgrading in the Global South refers to the improvement of economic and social conditions in developing countries through the participation in GVCs. Upgrading can lead to increased employment opportunities, improved working conditions, and increased access to goods and services. However, the process of upgrading can also be challenging, as it requires significant investment, technological upgrading, and access to capital.
Interdisciplinarity:
One of the key features of this book is its interdisciplinarity, which combines sociological, economic, legal, and political dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the governance of GVCs. By integrating these different perspectives, the book offers a richer analysis of the complex issues that arise in the governance of GVCs.
Case Studies:
The book includes a series of case studies that compare different industry trajectories and explore the factors that shape their evolution. These case studies include industries such as textiles, electronics, and agriculture, which are representative of the Global South. By examining these case studies, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise in the governance of GVCs in different regions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the governance of GVCs in the Global South. It explores the role of global value chain governance, public institutions, and strategies of stakeholders in shaping upgrading in the Global South. The book's interdisciplinarity offers a rich understanding of the complex issues that arise in the governance of GVCs, and its case studies provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise in different regions. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in understanding the dynamics of the global economy and the strategies employed to promote sustainable development and equitable outcomes in the Global South.

Weight: 934g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030873196
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022