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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.

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  • Ron Boschma, 2024. "An evolutionary approach to regional studies on global value chains," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(7), pages 1492-1500, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:58:y:2024:i:7:p:1492-1500
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2024.2323035
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    1. S'andor Juh'asz & Zolt'an Elekes & Vir'ag Ily'es & Frank Neffke, 2024. "Colocation of skill related suppliers -- Revisiting coagglomeration using firm-to-firm network data," Papers 2405.07071, arXiv.org.
    2. Sandor Juhasz & Zoltan Elekes & Virag Ilyes & Frank Neffke, 2024. "Colocation of skill related suppliers – Revisiting coagglomeration using firm-to-firm network data," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2416, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised May 2024.
    3. Eduardo Hernandez-Rodriguez & Ron Boschma & Andrea Morrison & Xianjia Ye, 2024. "Functional upgrading and downgrading in global value chains: The role of complementary interregional value chain linkages in EU regions," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2432, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Oct 2024.

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    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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