Znaczenie usług w globalnych łańcuchach wartości

The aim of this article is to explain the importance of services in global value chains. In particular, we discuss the nature of this relatively new phenomenon and examine the share of services in these chains. We provide a critical analysis of literature and use a descriptive analytical method to validate the opinion that the “servicization” of business and the growing importance of services in manufacturing processes result in a widespread global sourcing of business services, especially innovation services. Despite the ever closer links between the two sectors, many firms find it vital to unbundle many processes and source them from overseas providers. This enables them to reduce costs and compete successfully in the global market. The research leads us to the conclusion that the sourcing of innovation has become a strategic tool for maintaining a competitive advantage, particularly for businesses that lack skilled employees and face high costs of acquiring new technology. That is why China and India, as suppliers of relatively cheap and qualified labor force, play an increasingly important role in the processes examined in this article, and are enhancing their position as service vendors capable of competing with Western technology giants.