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Verkstadsindustri i globaliseringens tidevarv. En studie av SKF och Volvo 1970-2000

Author

Listed:
  • Broberg, Oskar

    (Department of Economic History, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University)

Abstract

This working paper explores the impact of the globalization process 1970-2000 on two manufacturing industries in the Gothenburg area –SKF and Volvo. Three aspects of the process are highlighted: the development of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the increased mobility of capital, and the increased importance of knowledge in manufacturing industry. The history of the two companies is analyzed from the early 1970s to the turn of the century, using literature and interviews. Firstly, the paper explores the organizational development of the two companies. The study shows how SKF and Volvo during these years transformed from being organized as nationally oriented hierarchies to become nodes in global networks. Secondly, a number of specific themes are explored, such as ownership, branding, R&D, and outsourcing. The international ownership increased and the production is now coordinated on a global scale. The main conclusion of this working paper is that SKF and Volvo are representatives of an emerging informational economy. The flexibility generated by new ICT and more liquid financial markets has proven to promote economic growth, while at the same time generate social conflicts as the labour security decreases.

Suggested Citation

  • Broberg, Oskar, 2006. "Verkstadsindustri i globaliseringens tidevarv. En studie av SKF och Volvo 1970-2000," Göteborg Papers in Economic History 5, University of Gothenburg, Unit for Economic History.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:gunhis:0005
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2077/2951
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    Cited by:

    1. Bohlin, Jan, 2007. "Structural Change in the Swedish economy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century – The role of import substitution and export demand," Göteborg Papers in Economic History 8, University of Gothenburg, Unit for Economic History.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic History; Business History; SKF; Volvo; Globalization; Outsourcing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment
    • N64 - Economic History - - Manufacturing and Construction - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N84 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: 1913-

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    1. Studies on the automobile industry

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