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Relational upgrading in global value networks

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Glückler
  • Robert Panitz

Abstract

This article takes a geographical interest in the upgrading of countries by adopting a micro-perspective of firms and inter-firm networks. We propose the concept of relational upgrading as complementary to the traditional upgrading of activities such as products, processes or functions. Based on a core–periphery model, we argue that countries may reap additional benefits when moving from peripheral to more central market positions. Drawing on methods of generalized blockmodeling, we demonstrate how formerly peripheral countries in the trade of stock photography have successfully upgraded their market positions over a period of 12 years through increasing integration of their firms in the global value network. The analysis contributes to a relational and comprehensive understanding of upgrading, which suggests combining the upgrading of both, activities and relational positions in global networks to reap additional benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Glückler & Robert Panitz, 2016. "Relational upgrading in global value networks," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 16(6), pages 1161-1185.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jecgeo:v:16:y:2016:i:6:p:1161-1185.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeg/lbw033
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hassink, Robert & Gong, Huiwen, 2017. "Sketching the Contours of an Integrative Paradigm of Economic Geography," Papers in Innovation Studies 2017/12, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    2. Mahwish J Khan & Stefano Ponte & Peter Lund-Thomsen, 2020. "The ‘factory manager dilemma’: Purchasing practices and environmental upgrading in apparel global value chains," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 52(4), pages 766-789, June.
    3. Suwala, Lech, 2021. "Concepts of Space, Refiguration of Spaces, and Comparative Research: Perspectives from Economic Geography and Regional Economics," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 22(3).
    4. Naseemullah, Adnan, 2023. "The political economy of national development: A research agenda after neoliberal reform?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    5. Raab, Jörg & Kenis, Patrick & Kraaij – Dirkzwager, Marleen & Timen, Aura, 2021. "Ex ante knowledge for infectious disease outbreaks : Introducing the organizational network governance approach," Other publications TiSEM 20292448-3b29-44b9-8cd3-5, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Ping Deng & Andrew Delios & Mike W. Peng, 2020. "A geographic relational perspective on the internationalization of emerging market firms," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(1), pages 50-71, February.
    7. Glückler Johannes & Panitz Robert & Hammer Ingmar, 2020. "SONA: A relational methodology to identify structure in networks," ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography, De Gruyter, vol. 64(3), pages 121-133, November.
    8. Pasquali, Giovanni & Krishnan, Aarti & Alford, Matthew, 2021. "Multichain strategies and economic upgrading in global value chains: Evidence from Kenyan horticulture," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    9. Stefano Ponte & Valentina De Marchi & Marco Bettiol & Eleonora di Maria, 2023. "The horizontal governance of environmental upgrading: Lessons from the Prosecco and Valpolicella wine value chains in Italy," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 55(8), pages 1884-1905, November.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Upgrading; global value networks; photography; generalized blockmodeling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • L16 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Industrial Organization and Macroeconomics; Macroeconomic Industrial Structure
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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