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New Developments in International Production Networks: Impact of Digital Technologies

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  • Ayako Obashi
  • Fukunari Kimura

Abstract

We conducted a standard gravity exercise using worldwide disaggregated trade data to shed light on the influence of digital technologies on network trade. We found that growing investment in industrial robots in relatively lagging economies, together with imported digitally deliverable services, is enhancing bilateral network trade flows in East Asia, but not necessarily in other parts of the world. This suggests that exploring complementarities between machines and human resources in production blocks supported by better service‐link connectivity may allow newly developed economies to retain and expand the international division of labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayako Obashi & Fukunari Kimura, 2021. "New Developments in International Production Networks: Impact of Digital Technologies," Asian Economic Journal, East Asian Economic Association, vol. 35(2), pages 115-141, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:asiaec:v:35:y:2021:i:2:p:115-141
    DOI: 10.1111/asej.12240
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mitsuyo Ando & Fukunari Kimura & Kenta Yamanouchi, 2022. "RCEP and International Production Networks," Chapters, in: Fukunari Kimura & Shandre Mugan Thangavelu & Dionisius Narjoko (ed.), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: Implications, Challenges, and Future Growth of East Asia and ASEAN, chapter 6, pages 141-170, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
    2. Xiying Zhang & Yihuan Wang, 2022. "Research on the Influence of Digital Technology and Policy Restrictions on the Development of Digital Service Trade," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Jiangying Wei & Xiuwu Zhang, 2023. "The Role of Big Data in Promoting Green Development: Based on the Quasi-Natural Experiment of the Big Data Experimental Zone," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Lin, Changqing & Xiao, Shengpeng & Yin, Zihui, 2022. "How do industrial robots applications affect the quality upgrade of Chinese export trade?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(10).
    5. Jingxing Zhang, 2022. "Impact of Manufacturing Servitization on Factor Productivity of Industrial Sector Using Global Value Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-15, April.
    6. Fukunari Kimura & Keita Oikawa, 2022. "The Conceptual Framework of New Development Strategies," Chapters, in: Fukunari Kimura & Keita Oikawa (ed.), The Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) 3.0: Towards an Integrated, Innovative, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economy, chapter 1, pages 2-56, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
    7. Ayako Obashi, 2022. "Overview of Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, and Global Value Chains in East Asia," Working Papers DP-2021-50, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

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