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An Evolutionary Approach to Regional Studies on Global Value Chains

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  • Ron Boschma

Abstract

There is an ongoing dialogue that explores how the Global Production Network and Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) literatures can make promising crossovers. This paper aims to contribute to this debate by outlining a theoretical-analytical approach to regional studies on Global Value Chains (GVCs). Building on the EEG literature on relatedness, economic complexity and regional diversification, this approach aims to develop a better understanding of the ability of regions to develop new and upgrade existing GVCs, and why regions may experience the loss or downgrading of existing GVCs. We present the features of this relatedness/complexity approach to GVCs, and discuss potential fields of applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ron Boschma, 2024. "An Evolutionary Approach to Regional Studies on Global Value Chains," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2402, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Jan 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Evolutionary Economic Geography; Global Value Chains; Global Production Networks; regional diversification; relatedness; economic complexity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B52 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary; Modern Monetary Theory;
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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