Globalization has transformed how nations, firms and workers compete in the international economy over the past half century. This book by Gary Gereffi, one of the founders of the Global Value Chains (GVC) framework, traces the emergence of arguably the most influential approach used to analyze globalization and its impacts. It studies the conceptual foundations of GVC analysis, the twin pillars of 'governance' and 'upgrading', along with detailed case studies of China, Mexico and other emerging economies as main beneficiaries of export-oriented industrialization, and addresses potential solutions to the deleterious impact of globalization on workers and communities.
Industry Reviews
'The concept of global value chains has become a mainstay of research in international trade over several disciplines. This concept owes much to the pioneering work of Gary Gereffi. In this lucid volume he describes how global value chains arise and differ across various industries and countries, and how they have evolved over time in response to economic and political forces, right up to the recent calls for protection.' Robert Feenstra, C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Professor in International Economics, University of California, Davis
'GVCs drive productivity growth, investment, technology transfer and job creation. For more than twenty years, Gary Gereffi has led the world in understanding the governance, upgrading and evolution of GVCs. In Global Value Chains and Development he brings together his most relevant work while providing insights on the evolving trade and technology landscape transforming GVCs. This is a must-read book for policymakers, practitioners and academics committed to economic development.' Anabel Gonzalez, Former Senior Director of the World Bank Global Practice on Trade and Competitiveness and former Costa Rica Minister of Trade
'Gary Gereffi explains the organization of the global economy better than anyone. This book reaffirms his importance as the founder and still leading theorist of global value chains, and is essential reading for all those who wish to understand the complexity of manufacturing in the twenty-first century.' Gary Hamilton, Professor Emeritus, University of Washington
'Gary Gereffi is a pioneer in analysis of global value chains and their implications for economic development policy and governance. This volume brings together his key contributions and is required reading for all students of trade and development.' Bernard Hoekman, European University Institute, Florence
'Gary Gereffi's work over the past twenty-five years has changed how we understand capitalism. This brilliant collection of essays shows that capitalism today can be understood in its global form by an array of production networks that generate profits, employment and wage income, and that economic development itself is deeply molded by these networks. Gary Gereffi's analysis of global value changes has spearheaded a generation of scholars and has influenced policy makers from around the world. He effectively defined the field and then continued to move the thinking forward as the world evolved - with the growth of services trade and telecommunications, with economic booms in East Asia and busts in Latin America, and most recently with a riveting account of the shifting politics of industrial policy and protectionism. Gereffi is the gold standard: the writing is clear, data are illuminating and the analysis is sharp and relevant. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand globalization and economic development.' William Milberg, Dean, New School for Social Research
'Global Value Chains (GVCs) are a key feature of the global economy in the twenty-first century. By providing the essentials of the GVC framework, unpacking the key concepts of governance and upgrading, and exploring the relevant policy implications - this collection of writings from the founder of this field is an essential companion to academics, policy-makers, activists and business leaders interested in understanding present-day capitalism.' Stefano Ponte, Copenhagen Business School
'Overall, Global Value Chains and Development is an attractive read by the world's leading thinker on GVCs. It will particularly appeal to scholars and development practitioners who are both interested in a historical perspective of the GVC framework and in the new development policy views that it has to offer.' Ari Van Assche, Journal of Economic Geography
