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Slowbalisation or a “New” type of GVC participation? The role of digital services

Author

Listed:
  • L. Blázquez

    (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha - Campus de Toledo)

  • C. Díaz-Mora

    (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha - Campus de Toledo)

  • B. González-Díaz

    (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha - Campus de Toledo)

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of digital services in the dynamics observed in global value chains (GVCs) from 1995 to 2018. Despite the context of a deceleration in globalisation, we observe how countries’ exports are increasingly incorporating foreign digital services, suggesting that a new channel, digitally driven, for globalization and GVC participation is emerging. Using trade in value added data and Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology, we map the network of these digital services flows linked to GVCs and analyse its characteristics and evolution for the period 1995–2018. Moreover, we identify the leading economies in those networks from the point of view of both source and destination countries. New actors such as China, India and Israel arise, sharing with the USA, Germany, and the UK the leadership as global providers of intermediate digital sectors. Small European economies and Singapore show the highest dependence on foreign digital sectors to be incorporated in their exports.

Suggested Citation

  • L. Blázquez & C. Díaz-Mora & B. González-Díaz, 2023. "Slowbalisation or a “New” type of GVC participation? The role of digital services," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 50(1), pages 121-147, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolin:v:50:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s40812-022-00245-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s40812-022-00245-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital services; Global value chains; International trade; Social Networks Analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F01 - International Economics - - General - - - Global Outlook
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L16 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Industrial Organization and Macroeconomics; Macroeconomic Industrial Structure

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