Upgrading and downgrading of global value chains in European regions: An evolutionary perspective

Eduardo Hernández Rodríguez

doi:10.33540/2923

Upgrading and downgrading of global value chains in European regions: An evolutionary perspective

Eduardo Hernández Rodríguez

Economic Geography

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral thesis 1 (Research UU / Graduation UU)

Abstract

This dissertation bridges evolutionary economic geography and the GVC literature. It uses concepts such as relatedness and economic complexity to approach functional upgrading and downgrading in GVCs in European regions. The dissertation also studies the importance of complementary capabilities in GVCs for functional upgrading and downgrading in European regions. While regional capabilities remain crucial, interregional linkages play an important role in the dynamics of value chains in European regions. Furthermore, the dissertation shows how interregional linkages, as regional participation in GVCs, can contribute to technological diversification in regions.

Original language	English
Qualification	Doctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution	Utrecht University
Supervisors/Advisors	Boschma, Ron, Supervisor Morrison, Andrea, Supervisor Petralia, Sergio Gabiel, Co-supervisor
Award date	27 Jun 2025
Place of Publication	Utrecht
Publisher	Utrecht University
Print ISBNs	978-94-6496-404-2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.33540/2923
Publication status	Published - 27 Jun 2025

Keywords

Global value chains
upgrading
downgrading
European regions

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Upgrading and downgrading of global value chains in European regionsFinal published version, 2.45 MBLicence: CC BY-NC

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N2 - This dissertation bridges evolutionary economic geography and the GVC literature. It uses concepts such as relatedness and economic complexity to approach functional upgrading and downgrading in GVCs in European regions. The dissertation also studies the importance of complementary capabilities in GVCs for functional upgrading and downgrading in European regions. While regional capabilities remain crucial, interregional linkages play an important role in the dynamics of value chains in European regions. Furthermore, the dissertation shows how interregional linkages, as regional participation in GVCs, can contribute to technological diversification in regions.

AB - This dissertation bridges evolutionary economic geography and the GVC literature. It uses concepts such as relatedness and economic complexity to approach functional upgrading and downgrading in GVCs in European regions. The dissertation also studies the importance of complementary capabilities in GVCs for functional upgrading and downgrading in European regions. While regional capabilities remain crucial, interregional linkages play an important role in the dynamics of value chains in European regions. Furthermore, the dissertation shows how interregional linkages, as regional participation in GVCs, can contribute to technological diversification in regions.

KW - Globale waardeketens

KW - upgrading

KW - downgrading

KW - Europese regio's

KW - Global value chains

KW - upgrading

KW - downgrading

KW - European regions

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SN - 978-94-6496-404-2

PB - Utrecht University

CY - Utrecht

ER -

Upgrading and downgrading of global value chains in European regions: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract

Keywords

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