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The European Bioeconomy Strategy aims to facilitate the transition from a take-make-dispose fossil economy into one fostering circular bio-based value chains linking sustainable land use with cutting-edge products. Optimised designs, implementation and monitoring rely on continuous interactions between policymakers and modellers who run multiple scenarios for environmentally, economically and socially desirable futures. This paper leverages a multi-layered framework that cross-references 39 policies and 32 models to assess how they address the five principle objectives of the Bioeconomy Strategy in terms of accompanying sectors, value-chains, and multi-dimensional indicators. The framework identifies gaps in bioeconomy knowledge both in policy and modelling. Overall, the analysis found little mention of the wide range of bio-based products, technologies and processes, bio-refineries, waste, and land conservation. Bio-based product policies can be simulated only in a limited number of models, compared, for example, to the wide range of modelling capacities that can model bioenergy. Additionally, in both policy and modelling realms, integration of market and biophysical drivers within the full scope of the value chain is scarce. Multidisciplinary studies combining multiple models perform best in this respect by integrating a more comprehensive range of relevant policies, bioeconomy drivers and indicators. Findings point to a more significant issue in policy-modelling information exchange, and this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for future improvements in this collaboration. Published

We suggest two boundary conditions for the positive role of patent protection in attracting inward foreign R&D investments. Patent protection is less effective in limiting the leakage of nonpatented knowledge through interfirm mobility of employees, and a gradual strengthening of patent protection worldwide diminishes its effect as countries get closer to the intellectual property rights (IPR) frontier. We provide evidence in an empirical analysis of 3393 multinational firms’ R&D location choices for 8015 greenfield R&D investments in 105 (potential) host countries, during 2003–2014. The relationship between R&D investment location choices and IPR protection is subject to declining marginal effects and negatively moderated by inventor mobility.

Global value chain/global production network studies have extensively documented the role of lead firms from the Global North in economic development in the Global South, including as ‘manufacturers without factories’ (MWFs). However, the role of local firms in sourcing from suppliers has been overlooked. In this article, we report the findings of a qualitative study and demonstrate that the local MWFs helped establish India as the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals worldwide and in the Global South. We show how the different types of local MWFs (‘propagandists’, ‘pioneers’, ‘connectors’ and ‘adaptors’) impact the strategic coupling, industrial upgrading and governance in South–South value chains and contribute to regional economic development.

The reduction of post-harvest losses (PHLs) has been identified as a key pathway to food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite policy prioritisation, knowledge about the severity of PHLs remains scant, especially when it comes to nutrient-dense crops such as African nightshade and bush beans. Therefore, this paper identifies loss hotspots, causes and effects throughout the value chains of nightshade and bush beans in eastern Uganda. Primary data collected following the Informal Food Loss Assessment Method, combined with small-scale load tracking and secondary data, allows for an analysis of physical, economic, quality, and nutritional losses throughout the value chains of both crops. Results show that in the bush bean value chain, severe physical and quality losses occur during post-harvest handling by farmers, leading to high economic losses at this stage of the chain. Nutritional losses are not expected to be significant in the bush bean value chain. By contrast, due to the shortness of the nightshade value chain, where produce is moved from harvest to consumption within one or two days, physical losses in most parts of the chain are relatively minor. Only at consumption stage, high physical losses occur. This is also the stage where economic losses and potential nutritional losses are most pronounced. The results of this study offer a deeper understanding of the value chain dynamics of bush beans and nightshade, including underlying gender relations, and identify concrete loss hotspots, upon which further research and practical interventions can build.

The value chains of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are highly constrained by high postharvest losses (up to 50%) along the chain, largely occasioned by poor postharvest management and a lack of optimized processing technologies. The technologies and practices are key technical aspects that can transform the capacity of the chain by enhancing the overall value generated from the system. AIVs have recently experienced an increase in demand due to their high nutritional value and the opportunity they present to enhance rural incomes, since they are predominantly produced by smallholder farmers in rural and peri-urban areas. This implies that they can positively contribute to increased availability and hence supply of nutritious food within local food systems. Furthermore, the fact that half of the economic value of AIVs is potentially lost due to inappropriate postharvest management and inadequate processing demonstrates the potential that related interventions and transformations could have in enhancing and preserving value along AIV value chains. Currently, the approaches applied to reduce food waste, preserve nutritional quality, and add value to AIVs are largely traditional in nature. They require upgrading and need to be aligned toward achieving a nutrition-sensitive value chain. By looking at these as value creation processes, this mini-review examines the current postharvest management practices, highlights relevant new and innovative technologies and related challenges, and suggests potential options to improve the benefits for AIV value chain actors and thus contribute to a sustainable transformation of nutrition-sensitive food systems.

PurposeThis article explores the potential of an emerging group of farmers in Kenya, namely the growing segment of urban-based medium-size farmers, often called “telephone farmers”. To what extent do they benefit from an emerging ecosystem to support them in operating their farms, and what does that mean for the Hidden middle of agricultural value chains, the actors between the farmers and consumers? Unlocking the potential production of telephone farmers will require more services from collectors, traders, transport firms, the storage facilities, wholesalers and processing units and retailers. Ultimately, optimized telephone farm production benefits the business of Hidden middle value chain actors, increases incomes and jobs and improves food security.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey and in-depth interviews a profile of the telephone farmers is given and their role as innovators is analyzed. The Latia Resource Centre (LRC) provides assistance to medium-size farmers, like the telephone farmers, helping them to prepare business plans and use modern technology and contributing to an emerging ecosystem providing support to all farmers.FindingsThe article analyzes the medium-size telephone farmers. It documents the contributions of this new agricultural actor to developing value chains and a dynamic ecosystem. The paper profiles the telephone farmers first and then identifies what they need and the support they receive. The emerging innovative ecosystem impacts agricultural productivity and production and hence the development of value chains. Small farmers gain access to opportunities offered by telephone farmers, working for them as outgrower or farm worker.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used a small sample of 51 farmers and covered only a two-year period.Social implicationsSmall farmers are being helped through the emerging eco-system and farm labor acquire skills, which they can also you on another or their own farm.Originality/valueBased on the analysis an even more effective ecosystem is suggested and policy recommendations are formulated before the conclusion is drawn that these medium-size farmers contribute to innovation diffusion, inclusive value chain development and food security and are becoming part of this expanding, innovative ecosystem. Following the debate on food security the results suggest to pay more attention to the development of telephone farmers given their role in developing agricultural value chains and innovative ecosystems.

The article presents the results of a study of the main characteristics of modern markets for the production and sale of innovative products (services, technologies). They made it possible to identify new organizational and economic mechanisms of interaction between the subjects of the innovation infrastructure. As a methodological tool, authors used the main provisions of the theories of interconnections and value chains, cooperation and competition, as well as the Henderson-Clark innovation model. Authors carried out the analysis of the main characteristics of existing and new markets for the production and sale of innovative products (services, technologies). Based on the research, authors concluded that at present there is no universal organizational and economic mechanism for the interaction of subjects of innovation infrastructure in the markets for the production and sale of innovative products (services, technologies). For the successful development of innovation activity, usage of a specific mechanism is subject to a comprehensive justification from the standpoint of each subject of the innovation infrastructure., В статье представлены результаты исследования основных характеристик современных рынков производства и реализации инновационной продукции (услуг, технологий). Они позволили выявить новые организационно-экономические механизмы взаимодействия субъектов инновационной инфраструктуры. В качестве методического инструментария использовались основные положения теорий межсетевых взаимодействий и цепочек создания добавленной стоимости, кооперации и конкуренции, а также модель инноваций Хендерсона-Кларка. Проведен анализ основных характеристик существующих и новых рынков производства и реализации инновационной продукции (услуг, технологий). На основе проведенных исследованийбыл сделан вывод о том, что в настоящее время не существует универсального организационно-экономического механизма взаимодействия субъектов инновационной инфраструктуры на рынках производства и реализации инновационной продукции (услуг, технологий). Для успешного развития инновационной деятельности использование конкретного механизма подлежит всестороннему обоснованию с позиций каждого субъекта инновационной инфраструктуры., Экономика и предпринимательство, Выпуск 4 (153) 2023, Pages 937-941

This position paper draws upon the specific contributions from the thirteen MAPs which dedicated the third MAP Cycle to reflect upon sustainable and resilient value chains. They have assessed the needs and challenges in the area covered by the MAPs, policy interventions and actions implemented, and formulated recommendations for both policy and research, in relation to sustainable and resilient value chains. Each of the MAPs selected sustainable and resilient value chains and relevant sub-topics according to their members’ interest and for the area covered by the MAP; therefore, not all the topics included in the Sustainable and Resilient Value Chains Discussion Paper have been engaged within the individual work of the MAPs.

This position paper draws upon the specific contributions from the thirteen MAPs which dedicated the third MAP Cycle to reflect upon sustainable and resilient value chains. They have assessed the needs and challenges in the area covered by the MAPs, policy interventions and actions implemented, and formulated recommendations for both policy and research, in relation to sustainable and resilient value chains. Each of the MAPs selected sustainable and resilient value chains and relevant sub-topics according to their members’ interest and for the area covered by the MAP; therefore, not all the topics included in the Sustainable and Resilient Value Chains Discussion Paper have been engaged within the individual work of the MAPs.

Digital transformation is, among others, notably driven by servitization, and consequently, IT artifacts called Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), together with disruptive technologies and innovations. In order to set up proper policies, the understanding of the above factors is essential, including their influences on value adding chains. This paper therefore provides an analysis of APIs developments together with their impacts on digital transformation. As they can affect organizations and even national economies at strategic level, appropriate management from a systemic perspective is justified, including e-government initiatives. Further, APIs cannot be treated without their relations to disruptive technologies, innovations and value chains. Therefore, the advancements of theoretical understanding of evolution of value chains, and practical directions for e-government initiatives are given in this paper. In addition, an archetype model is developed that provides a basis for further research efforts in the area.

This document focuses on organising a proactive dialogue between demand constituencies and the providers of IoT-to-Edge-to Cloud technology to identify the actual needs, observed opportunities, and adoption barriers on the demand side. The report highlights the key points of the strategic research and innovation agendas of the leading cross-sector and sector-specific industry associations, focusing on potential “demand pull” drivers. It outlines mutual dependencies, requirements, and technological demands to make interactions between stakeholders along data-driven value chains more efficient. The report covers agriculture, health, manufacturing, transportation and energy as key domains for the adoption of CEI technology, This document contains information in the form of the UNLOCK-CEI project findings, work and products and its use is strictly regulated by the UNLOCK-CEI Consortium Agreement and by Contract no. 101070571. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the UNLOCK-CEI consortium and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission. All mentioned URLs are proven to be valid on the 28th of November.

Small-scale fishery governance has often taken a narrowly approach to sustainability, focusing either on managing fishing activities, or market-based interventions and overlooking the embeddedness of fishers within a broader social structure. This project uses a value chain approach to address these gaps. The aim is to improve our understanding of the interplay between fisheries governance and market dynamics, and the effects of this on benefit flows and distribution of marine ecosystem services. This report contains preliminary results and examines the social dynamics among fishers and traders that may impact benefit flows and ultimately resource extraction decisions. The data presented in this report form part of a larger project also aiming to uncover the role of seafood markets and market actors, like traders, in mediating interactions between the social and ecological components in local Small-Scale Fisheries systems. * SSF here include both municipal and commercial fisheries

Significant detrimental effects of agricultural intensification and specialization are becoming increasingly evident. Reliance on monocultures, few varieties, and intensive use of agrochemicals is a major factor in climate change, biodiversity decline, soil health deterioration, and pollution, putting our food system at risk. This requires sustainable agricultural processes, such as crop diversification, to be more rapidly and effectively tested, adopted, and scaled. While these processes are typically introduced at niche level, they often struggle to scale and to induce broader sustainability transitions. In this study, we investigate how scaling may occur, focusing on institutional logics, their changes, and realignment over time. In particular, we applied an abductive research strategy to collect empirical evidence from two in-depth, longitudinal case studies of innovation niches related to crop diversification. Doing so, we show for the first time that, despite their many differences, scaling processes of crop diversification in both niches converge, presenting similar progressions in terms of institutional dimensions, and facing similar obstacles when it comes to value chain formation. While initial experimentation could still be implemented using organizational forms familiar to the lead actors, we discover that a systemic lack of adequate value chain arrangements obstructed the scaling process of crop diversification in both cases. These findings have been used to reflect on the role of value chain relations in scaling processes in sustainability transitions in agriculture.

BackgroundFoodborne disease (FBD) affects millions of people each year, posing a health burden similar to malaria, tuberculosis or HIV. A recent World Bank study estimated the productivity losses alone attributed to unsafe food within Africa at $20 billion in 2016, and the cost of treating these illnesses at an additional $3.5 billion. Ethiopia faces multiple food safety challenges due to lack of infrastructure and basic pre-requisites for food safety such as clean water and environment, washing facilities, compounded by limited implementation of food safety regulations, and a lack of incentives for producers to improve food safety. A consolidation of our understanding and evidence of the source, nature and scale of FBD in Ethiopia is needed to inform policy and future research. We performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of publications on FBD occurrence in Ethiopia including hazard presence and impact.MethodThe SLR followed Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and CAB-Direct for relevant publications between 1990 and 2019 (inclusive). Observational studies and reviews were included. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and retained publications were reviewed in full for quality and data extraction.ResultIn total 128 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most articles focused on the identification of biological hazards in food. High levels of microbial contamination in different food value chains were often found in the small, ad hoc, observational studies that dominated the literature. Raw milk (22/128, 17.0%) and raw beef (21/128, 16.4%) were the most studied food products. Foodborne (FB) parasites were often found at higher rates in food than bacterial and viral pathogens, possibly due to differences in ease of identification. High levels of bacterial contamination on the hands of food handlers were widely reported. There were no reports on the incidence of human FBDs or resulting health and economic impacts.ConclusionOur findings reflect existing concerns around food safety in Ethiopia. A lack of substantial, coordinated studies with robust methodologies means fundamental gaps remain in our knowledge of FBD in Ethiopia, particularly regarding FBD burden and impact. Greater investment in food safety is needed, with enhanced and coordinated research and interventions.

В статье рассматривается специфика использования стратегических альянсов в качестве организационной формы для цепочек создания добавленной стоимости. Показываются теоретические предпосылки использования данной организационной формы. Отражается актуальность данного формата взаимодействия для российских представителей автомобилестроительной ниши., The article discusses the specifics of using strategic alliances as an organizational form for value chains. The theoretical prerequisites for the use of this organizational form are shown. The relevance of this format of interaction for Russian representatives of the automotive niche is reflected., Экономика и предпринимательство, Выпуск 1 (150) 2023, Pages 1257-1259

The author investigates possible prospective study areas, concerning Russian SMEs value chains. This article takes into consideration the obstacles and the trends that influence the development of their value-adding activities.

Advances in digital technology are altering the methods through which trust is established and maintained within value chain relationships, including those within the Aotearoa New Zealand mānuka honey sector, where the increasing value of the honey and the increasing threat of food fraud have impacted power dynamics between value chain actors. This paper explores how three Aotearoa New Zealand mānuka honey companies have responded to these changes, focusing on their efforts to craft and convey images of themselves as trustworthy producers and partners. To this end the companies are seen to use digital technologies in their attempts to establish character-based, institution-based, and process-based trust with those in their value chains by displaying their ability, integrity, and benevolence. NZBIDA

В статье рассматриваются ключевые механизмы согласования интересов, которые могут быть применимы в цепочках создания добавленной стоимости. Анализируются существующие механизмы и делаются выводы о возможности их применения в каждой конкретной ситуации. На примере российских автомобилестроительных предприятий, которые являются участниками стратегических альянсов, рассматриваются используемые ими механизмы согласования финансовых интересов в рамках цепочки создания добавленной стоимости., The article discusses the key mechanisms of coordination of interests that can be applied in value chains. The existing mechanisms are analyzed and conclusions are drawn about the possibility of their application in each specific situation. Using the example of Russian automotive companies that are members of strategic alliances, the mechanisms they use to coordinate financial interests within the value chain are considered., Экономика и предпринимательство, Выпуск 3 (152) 2023, Pages 913-916

The software value chain is knowledge-based since it is highly dependant on people. Consequently, a lack of practice in managing knowledge as a resource may jeopardise its application in software development. Knowledge-Based Resources (KBRs) relate to employees’ intangible knowledge that is deemed to be valuable to a company's competitive advantage. In this study, we apply a grounded theory approach to examine the role of KBRs in Agile Software Development (ASD). To this aim, we collected data from 18 practitioners from five companies. We develop the Knowledge-Push theory, which explains how KBRs boost the need for change in ASD. Our results show that the practitioners who participated in the study utilise, as primary strategies, task planning, resource management, and social collaboration. These strategies are implemented through the team environment and settings and incorporate an ability to codify and transmit knowledge. However, this process of codification is non-systematic, which consequently introduces inefficiency in the domain of knowledge resource utilisation, resulting in potential knowledge waste. This inefficiency can generate negative implications for software development, including meaningless searches in databases, frustration because of recurrent problems, the unnecessary redesign of solutions, and a lack of awareness of knowledge sources. © 2022 The Authors open access

The world-wide process of structural transformation is a result of the emergence of new challenges with long-term effect; which requires a strategic vision in the agro-food trade, together with the implementation of concrete actions by the authorities. Increasing global population, increasing pressure on natural resources and global warming are leading to a new framework at international level. In Europe, the aging process is an additional challenge. All these aspects will have profound implications for agriculture and rural areas. Global food demand is increasing, a large scale of urbanization, rising input prices, pressure on water resources and increasing vulnerability of crops and animals to climate change will limit food production. Even in these conditions agricultural sector of Romania has a huge potential. Domestic food demand could be covered if this potential will be exploited with technological resources and would not depend so much by climatic factors. Also Romania could export significant quantities of agro-food products. On the other hand, Romania suffers from one of the most pronounced structural divisions of agricultural land between all EU member states and also between the new member states. Precisely for this reason, Romania loses a lot in terms of production and export of agro-food products, in competition with developed countries. This paper analyzes the competitive position of Romanian companies in agro-food value chains. The article also answers to one of the most important questions. Are Romanian companies competitive in the agro-food value chains? What are the factors, challenges and obstacles for internationalization of Romanian agro-food product? In order to answer these questions, a quantitative research was performed using statistical data obtained from International Trade Center, for the year 2019 and Romanian National Committee for Macro prudential Supervision, 2020.

Contract violations are critical issues determining the success and sustainability of contract farming (CF). This paper challenges the common portrayal of the “powerful” company versus the “powerless” landowners/smallholders by using the literature on labour agency in global value chains to understand minor contract violations of contract farmers such, as side‐selling, refusal to harvest, and burning/felling of oil palm trees. This paper conceptualizes these violations as acts of minor agency or everyday acts of resistance. The analysis highlights how CF has created chains of dependency, in which smallholders are integrated into the modern market economy through new relations of debt and power. In response, contract farmers attempt to influence and shape the CF relation by using these different acts of minor agency. This paper finds that acts of minor agency, in the aggregate, can have important effects on contract relations, governance, and organizational structure of the chain and has the potential to lead to broader changes in the underlying social relations of contract. It highlights how individual acts of minor agency may contribute to the development of a consciousness of collective opposition to the contract relation. Tallow Chandlers ‐ M. W. Beer ‐ FOSFA School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000610

In many regions of the Global South, introduced crops have led to a loss of biodiversity and left the food system vulnerable to climate change. As a result, the (re-)introduction of indigenous food plants (IFPs) into agriculture is discussed as a way to a more sustainable and resilient food production, which might also be feasible for Southern small-scale garden farmers. In Cape Town (South Africa), the first attempts to commercialize IFPs of the Cape Floristic Region are currently being made. By using a value chain perspective, this study analyzes the opportunities and challenges for farmers to integrate IFPs into regional commercial agri-food chains. Based on qualitative interviews and ethnographic participant observation, we identify and explain different challenges and potentials: Challenges include the complex harvest licensing procedure and limited seed/cutting access for growers, limited capabilities and capacity of growers, the competition with subsidized conventional production and limited distribution options, as well as a negative cultural perception of IFPs and a lack of preparation knowledge at the consumption level. Further, we identified opportunities for environmental adaptation and income generation. Remarkably, our results indicated a, so far, barely discussed geographical component in the success of indigenous crops. The findings are useful for guiding relevant market development interventions and raising awareness of IFPs in Cape Town and beyond.

The aim of this paper is to present the situation, interconnections and potential conflicts of interest of the different levels of the food supply chain in Hungary (production of raw materials, processing, trade), to give an overview of the situation of solutions to promote more sustainable and equitable supply chain operations (e.g. short supply chains, local products, quality systems), and to provide insights into one of the most important sustainability problems of the food chain, the phenomenon of food loss and waste. The paper presents, in a non-exhaustive way, relevant strategic and practical policy efforts, as well as locally based, socially driven initiatives and good practices. The Rural Prosperity MAP has identified needs and problems for which it makes policy recommendations, while also making suggestions for future research directions.

The present paper documents the outcomes of the discussions and interactions held in the Multi Actor Platform (MAP) of the region of South Aegean as part of addressing the topic “Sustainable and resilient value chains”. After outlining the current situation in the region, the key results of the discussions in the MAP are presented. Based on the members’ input, particular needs of the area were highlighted as well as how the local value chains have responded to the challenges of Covid-19.

The Position Paper was developed by theMulti-Actor PlatformRural Mapping Bulgaria.In this paper, it discusses several key elementsto foster bioeconomy in Bulgaria, whose economy has been defined as highly dependent on the availability of fossil raw materials.

This Position Paper gathers the work carry out bytheMulti-Actor Platform Pays Pyrénées Méditerranée in France. The documentproposes public policy recommendations concerning the implementation of a territorial food project (TFP) as a smart tool for territorial transition within the framework of the EU's Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas and the regional programming of European funds, in a context marked in particular by (a) climate crisis, (b) new societal demands, and (c)the effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

International audience; Value chains are an important driver for the current labor dynamics in the agri-food sector, and agri-food value chain sustainability strongly depends on decent work conditions. An increasing literature body have been investigated the interactions between chain agents and how it impacted labor issues. Our aim was to map the scientific landscape of the scientific knowledge on labor in agri-food value chains. We performed a bibliometric review of 343 articles indexed in the Web of Science based on descriptive and network analysis of articles metadata, which covered authors, journals, citation times, keywords and countries. We showed that labor in agri-food value chains has an international audience, despite that knowledge production was largely built by a restraint leading scientific network. Overall, the scientific knowledge is organized into four main research domains on labor in agri-food value chains: (1) labor governance in global value chains through standards, (2) employment in value chains and impacts on socioeconomic conditions of rural areas, (3) gender issues and value chains, (4) labor and upgrading in global value chains. The controversies in the international literature regarding labor issues in the agri-food value chains, and blind spots of current research are discussed.; -Dans le monde, près de la moitié de la population vit en milieu rural et l'agriculture est le deuxième secteur qui emploie le plus. Les problématiques liées au travail en agriculture sont diverses. Notre objectif est de caractériser le panorama international des thématiques de recherche sur le travail en agriculture à partir d'une analyse bibliométrique des articles anglophones publiés entre 2010 et 2019 dans les bases de données Web of Science et Scopus. Nous avons réalisé des analyses synchroniques (i.e. identification de réseaux de co-occurrence de mots-clés) et diachroniques (i.e. évolution de l'importance de certains objets de recherche dans le temps). Six principales thématiques de recherche sont identifiées : allocation de la main-d'oeuvre, dynamiques du marché du travail, genre et vulnérabilités, santé au travail, organisation du travail dans les exploitations, gouvernance du travail dans les chaînes agroalimentaires. Les approches disciplinaires sont les plus fréquentes pour analyser les différentes problématiques, mais elles peinent à les relier les unes aux autres. Les sept objets de recherche identifiés à partir des thématiques (genre, migrations, travail des enfants, santé, organisation du travail, emploi, gouvernance du travail dans les chaînes agroalimentaires) ont suivi différentes évolutions pendant les 10 dernières années (consolidation, instabilité, émergence). Ce panorama suggère que la pluridisciplinarité est nécessaire pour explorer des objets émergents (ex. : migrations, gouvernance du travail dans les chaînes agroalimentaires) et ceux qui sont au croisement des enjeux de société (ex. : innovations).

The paper aims to present the role of cities and their surroundings (metropolis) in the creation and flow of value, in order to shift the focus of analysis towards the geography of value chains. The analysis combines notions of a network of cities with value-added chains, usually examined separately, to identify the synergies between them and progress in the methodology of the combination. The aim of the paper is to identify the role of the metropolis in connecting the national and regional economy with the world economy within value chains. We present the metropolis not only as a node in global value chains, but also as an intermediary between global, national, and regional economies. We show that the Warsaw metropolis is strongly linked with itself and the rest of the national economy. In the case of the Mazovia region, the strongest links are with the national economy followed by backward links with the metropolis.

This position paper is the results of the work carried out by the PeloponneseMulti-Actor Platform. The document outlines the needs that the local value chains face, as well as changes that occurred in the way they operate to respond to the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, policy interventions already implemented as well as interventions that could potentially be implemented at the local, national and EU levels were highlighted.

This position paper is the results of the work carried out by theMulti-Actor Platform of the region of Central Greece. The document outlines the needs that the local value chains face, as well as changes that occurred in the way they operate to respond to the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, policy interventions already implemented as well as interventions that could potentially be implemented at the local, national and EU levels were highlighted.

This position paper is the results of the work carried out by the Lithuanian Multi-Actor Platform.The documentprovides needs, challenges and policy intervention that are already in place and needed for the future when we assess entrepreneurship and social economy, just transition and sustainable & resilient value chains of rural regions of Lithuania. &nbsp

This position paper is the results of the work carried out by theZielone SąsiedztwoMulti-Actor Platform,which reflect onsustainability and resilience of value chains and entrepreneurship given the current macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions challenging the value chains and enterprises in an unprecedented way.The document outlines the need ofpolicies because these are not sufficient and must be significantly strengthened and reshaped to offer effective response to the challenges faced by rural areas. &nbsp

This research proposal will allow identifying the effects that COVID 19 has had on the competitiveness, teleworking, value chains and electronic commerce of the Pacific Alliance in 2020, where the member countries (Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Chile) established in the Framework Agreement as its main objective to establish an area of deep integration in order to continue progressively in favor of a free circulation of goods, services, capital and people, thus motivating development, growth and competitiveness. The scope will be at the international level with the member countries, under the mixed analytical methodology and non-experimental design, since the different categories of variables will be analyzed: electronic commerce, competitiveness, value chains and teleworking. The proposed research design is cross-sectional, since the study will not assume follow-up over time and will be developed in a specific period. Integration of the economic theories of Porter’s diamond and the use of competitive advantage will be carried out to build the reflection of the results obtained in the qualitative and quantitative phase that facilitate locating a theoretical model that explains the phenomenon of competitiveness and the effect of COVID19 in these economies. As results of the investigation, after the analysis of the data collected with the different instruments that will be used, the following will be obtained: Presentations, articles, degree work and the final report where the updated study is presented that tends to make strategic decisions in the commercial model among the member countries of the Pacific Alliance. Esta propuesta de investigación permitirá identificar los efectos que ha tenido el COVID 19 en la competitividad, teletrabajo, cadenas de valor y comercio electrónico de la Alianza Pacifico durante el año 2020, donde los países miembros (Colombia, México, Perú, y Chile) instauraron en el Acuerdo Marco como objetivo principal establecer un área de integración profunda con el fin de continuar progresivamente en pro de una libre circulación de bienes, servicios, capitales y personas, motivando así desarrollo, crecimiento y competitividad. El alcance será a nivel internacional con los países miembros, bajo la metodología mixta analítica y diseño no experimental, pues se analizan las diferentes categorías de variable: comercio electrónico, competitividad, cadenas de valor y teletrabajo. El diseño de investigación planteado es transversal, ya que en el estudio no se asumirá seguimiento en el tiempo y se desarrollar en un periodo específico. Se realizará integración de las teorías económicas del diamante de Porter y el uso de la ventaja competitiva para construir la reflexión de los resultados obtenidos en la fase cualitativa y cuantitativa que faciliten localizar un modelo teórico que explique el fenómeno de la competitividad y el efecto del COVID19 en estas economías. Como resultados de la investigación, luego del análisis de los datos recolectados con los diferentes instrumentos que se aplicarán se obtendrán: Ponencias, artículos, trabajo de grado y el informe final donde se presenta el estudio actualizado que propenda a la toma de decisiones estratégicas en el modelo comercial entre los países miembro de la Alianza Pacífico.

Over the last decade, the Caribbean has seen massive, episodic influxes of pelagic sargassum negatively impacting coastal ecosystems, people’s livelihoods and climate-sensitive sectors. Addressing this issue solely as a hazard has proven extremely costly and attention is slowly turning towards the potential opportunities for sargassum reuse and valorization. However, turning the ‘sargassum crisis into gold’ is not easy. In this study we use a multi-method approach to learn from sargassum stakeholders (researchers, entrepreneurs and established businesses) across the Caribbean about the constraints and challenges they are facing. These can be grouped into five broad categories: (1) unpredictable supply of sargassum, (2) issues related with the chemical composition of the seaweed, (3) harvest, transport and storage, (4) governance, and (5) funding. Specific issues and potential solutions associated with each of these categories are reviewed in detail and recommended actions are mapped to five entry points along a generalized value chain to demonstrate how these actions can contribute to the development of sustainable sargassum value chains that promote economic opportunities and could help alleviate impacts of massive influxes. This paper offers guidance to policy makers and funding agencies on existing gaps and challenges that need to be addressed in order to scale-up successful and sustainable solutions to the sargassum crisis.

Substantial growth in Malian milk supply is necessary to meet rising demand for dairy products while also improving the livelihoods of milk producers and strengthening the competitiveness of the Malian dairy sector against imports. We applied a Cragg two-tiered model to a nationally representative dataset of dairy farming households to examine factors influencing market participation decisions. Four key findings and corresponding policy implications emerged. Firstly, dairy herd size was positively associated with market entry and milk sales. Improving the dissemination of higher-yielding improved breeds, to which less than 10% of households had access, should result in an increase in milk supply. Secondly, herd access to water, feed, and veterinary care also had the positive effect of increased milk supply, highlighting the importance of increased investment in animal health and nutrition. Thirdly, female-headed households were more likely to enter milk markets and they sold greater volumes than male-headed households. Because women typically face inequitable access to productive resources, gender-responsive policies and programs in the dairy sector should help to stimulate milk supply. Fourthly, an increase in milk price was associated with an increase in milk sales. This provides evidence that Malian milk producers are responsive to price incentives, while underlining the importance of incorporating dairy products into existing market information systems.

Value-chain processes must be understood and managed from a network, or ecosystem, perspective and linked to customer value creation. Based on an overview of the customer-value literature and internal value-chain processes, this paper argues that network capability needs to be added to the firm’s value-chain processes as an additional layer. This paper outlines different views on network capability, positions network capability in the wider portfolio of firms’ value-creation processes, and outlines potential research opportunities that may deepen our understanding of network capability.

The organisation of value chains within and between firms and even countries is an important reason for domestic as well as international travel. Hence, value chains create interdependencies which have to do with economic but also personal interactions between firms and places. The latter means value chains are a springboard for shocks—positive or negative—to travel and other related outcomes. This paper sheds light on how input–output relations in China as one human-interaction-intensive activity can help explain spreading patterns of COVID-19 in the first few months of 2020 in China. We document that COVID-19 at that time spread more intensively where input–output relations were stronger between cities in China, and this contributed to inducing direct and mediated, indirect effects on the stock market. ISSN:0378-5920 ISSN:1467-9701

Global value chains (GVCs) are both a product and a facilitator of the model of globalization that dominated for almost two decades following Soviet collapse in 1991. The North Atlantic Financial Crisis of 2007 onwards undermined that dominance, as did the subsequent economic stagnation and associated rising political and social discord. The reversion to more nationalist modes of discourse and policy marks the return of a more visibly geopolitical dimension to the global political economy. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated and accentuated these trends. This paper charts the emergence and consolidation of the era of "one world, ready or not", and employs the work of various critical authors, most prominently William Greider. Greider's extensive critique of US-led globalization, offshoring, and what has since become known as "supply chain capitalism" not only appears prescient by comparison with the work of contemporaneous, high profile representatives of the economics discipline who were its champions, but helps us to locate the sources of its unravelling. The implications of this for GVCs are outlined in the final section, which foresees a fragmentation of the world into spheres of influence dominated by regional powers, each of varying strength and cohesion. This will most likely result in the reconfiguration of many GVCs along more regional lines, as the dictates of efficiency clash with the requirements of supply chain resilience and the associated prerogatives of national security, as defined by those states at the centre of the new regional power blocs. Common to all phases of development discussed in this paper is the subordination of the peoples of the Global South, as the mechanisms of imperialism are adjusted and adapted to the changing conditions arising from the irreconcilable contradictions of global capitalism.

Studies on multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) have highlighted the potential for conflict in MSPs, and particularly at the global–local interface has been identified as a key source of tension for partnerships in global value chains. This article uncovers the nature of global–local conflicts, how these conflicts can play out in global MSPs, and how this can lead to the emergence of local competing initiatives. Based on three cases of global MSPs (on palm oil, soy, and ethical trade), the article identifies a set of four global–local tensions, which led to repeated disagreement and contestation in the studied MSPs. As the responses by MSPs to these tensions were insufficient to resolve conflict, local rival initiatives were created in all cases by previously participating Southern actors. These were driven by a combination of strong disagreement over time, coalition-building among Southern actors along national lines, and increased legitimacy of solutions outside the established MSPs.

This article analyzes how the evolution of technology and world trade together with the unexpected event of SARS-CoV-2 have accelerated the trend of regionalization of the value chain (CVR), offering opportunities for the economies of Latin America (LA) develop. In this sense, a diagnosis of LA participation in the CVR was made and a set of social, economic and political indices were analyzed that provide elements to the economies to adapt them to the new needs arising through the design of structural changes. The results show that governments that improve the conditions of factors in international trade make the country more attractive to foreign and national investment. These measures are of a general nature and are relevant to the progress of the region., Este artículo analiza como la evolución de la tecnología y el comercio mundial junto al inesperado acontecimiento del SARS-CoV-2 han acelerado la tendencia de la regionalización de la cadena de valor (RCV) ofreciendo oportunidades para que las economías de América Latina (AL) se desarrollen. En ese sentido se realizó un diagnóstico de la participación de AL en la RCV y se analizó un conjunto de índices sociales, económicos y políticos que brindan elementos a las economías para adaptarlas a las nuevas necesidades surgidas mediante el diseño de cambios estructurales. Los resultados muestran que los gobiernos que mejoran las condiciones de factores en materia de comercio internacional hacen más atractivo al país a inversiones extranjeras y nacionales, estas medidas son de carácter general y son relevantes para el progreso de la región.&nbsp

Este estudio caracteriza la economía andaluza como una economía extractiva, analizando de manera sucinta las condiciones históricas que configuraron la posición dependiente del capitalismo andaluz y consolidaron una estructura productiva basada en la extracción de recursos de la naturaleza, como la agricultura y la industria agroalimentaria. En esta línea, se estudiará el modelo extractivista que opera en Andalucía en el siglo XXI, esgrimiendo como rasgos básicos la intensificación de los monocultivos como plataformas de agro-exportación, el poder de la gran distribución en las cadenas de valor y el impulso institucional al cooperativismo de segundo grado surgido como respuesta. Entre las principales repercusiones de este modelo destacaremos el empobrecimiento y la pérdida de soberanía alimentaria de la región andaluza. This study characterizes the Andalusian economy as an extractive economy. First, we alalyze the historical conditions that shaped the dependent position of Andalusian capitalism and consolidated a productive structure based mainly on the extraction of resources from nature, such as in the agriculture and agri-food industries. Next, we study how the extractivist model in Andalusia operates in the 21st century by analyzing its basic features: the intensification of monocultures as agro-export platforms, the power of large distribution in value chains and the institutional drive toward second-degree cooperativism as a response. Among the main impacts of this model we highlight the impoverishment and loss of food sovereignty in the Andalusian region.

The article reveals the role of Taiwan as an integral part of Japanese companies’ foreign economic strategy in East Asia. Starting with characteristic features of the whole region and its separate economies, the author shows how the Taiwanese economy has been developing after the war and explains why this island took a special position among Japan’s economic partners. The first part of the article examines the main stages of Taiwan’s economic development after the war, revealing the factors of its successful modernization, and explains historical reasons for shaping favorable conditions for its turning into the object of expansion of Japanese companies. In the second part of the article, the author analyzes the process of the consistently increasing economic activity of Japanese companies in East Asia and shows the details of Taiwan’s entry into the existing system of division of labor in the region. A special emphasis is made on the characteristics of the economic cooperation model between the countries of the region, changes in the industrial structure of FDI, and specific forms of partnership between Japanese and Taiwanese companies. In the third part, the author draws attention to the economic and political factors which may lead to instability of economic ties and influence international capital flows. The author comes to the conclusion that Taiwan played an indispensable role in the expansion of the Japanese companies’ economic strategy and occupies now a strong position in the high-end segment of Japan’s foreign production base. Despite the destabilizing factors, Taiwan will evidently keep its exceptional position in the economic interests of Japanese companies in East Asia.

Reshoring is recognized as one of the tools to achieve the goal set in Western countries to restore the role of manufacturing in the economy, its “renaissance”, stimulate innovation and increase employment. This article analyzes current trends and prospects for reshoring. Obstacles to the successful relocation of Western companies' production capacities to maternal jurisdiction were identified, the key role of which was played by the US protectionist policy and the escalation of trade conflicts. As a result, after increasing the cases of reshoring in previous years, in 2018-2019, the process of moving production facilities of western companies to other countries of Southeast Asia at lower costs received an additional impetus. It is concluded that the state policies of countries aimed at reviving their industry and the technology of the fourth industrial revolution have a significant impact on the change in the position of individual countries in the international division of labor, which gives an opportunity for “catching countries” to develop the economy and improve their position in the world trade.

This study aims to analyze the management of corn production and farming, analyze the corn value chain, analyze the difference in marketing margins between the corn commodity value chain actors, and analyze the marketing efficiency among value chain actors. The study was conducted in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia by taking six sub-districts as samples, namely Samboja, Sebulu, Tenggarong, Tenggarong Seberang, Marangkayu, and Muara Badak Sub-Districts. The number of samples for farmers is 240 respondents using the random sampling method and the channel informant is determined by the snowball method. The results showed that the corn farm production management function was good, only the production control function showed that corn production was still low. The results of the analysis for corn farming from 240 respondents with an area of 352 ha totalling 653,290 kg with an average of 1,855.94 kg per hectare. The price of corn at the time of the study was an average of IDR 4,267 per kg. The total farm income per planting season is IDR 4,938,016,750. The total cost is IDR 1,747,582,947 per planting season. Income of IDR 3,190,433,803 per planting season. R/C ratio obtained 2.82 means that corn farming is feasible to be cultivated. The main actors in the corn value chain are farmers, village / sub-district collectors, district collectors, retailers and consumers. Corn supply chain channels are channel 0, channel 1A, 1B, channel 2, and channel 3. The margin received by village (sub-district) collectors on channel 1A is IDR 3,281, channel 2 is IDR 2,200, and channel 3 is IDR 1,875. The margin received by district collectors on channel 3 is IDR 1,250. The margin received by retailers in the IB channel is IDR 3,750, - on channel 2, it is IDR 1,800, and on channel 3, it is IDR 1,750, -. The efficiency value of all marketing institutions involved in corn marketing activities in Kutai Kartanegara Regency is

The diffusion of digital technologies has enabled a notable transformation in the firms’ boundaries, processes, structures, roles, and interactions. It is now clear that digital transformation is not just a traditional IT back-end process; rather it affects the organization as a whole, redefining strategies, entrepreneurial processes, innovation, and governance mechanisms. This permeation has led to the emergence of new ways of organizing firms’ value chains and interfirm relationships, which now increasingly occur in digital ecosystems and marketplaces. The scope of transformation as well as the modalities of value co-generation and delivery are here used to introduce the content of this Special Issue of California Management Review on Digital Transformation.

This article examines the role played by demand in catching up and in leadership changes in green industries, motivated by the belief that demand-led catch-up is a prevalent pathway in such industries. The article first examines stylized cases of sectoral green catch-up by China in which the local market and domestic demand played an important role before the sector started expanding globally. In particular, the focus is on three industries: wind, biomass and hydropower. Then, it uses a history-friendly model to study the effects of a major increase in domestic demand (a “demand window”) in a green industry. The baseline simulation first examines the effects of a demand window in promoting learning and capability building by latecomers and in triggering a catch-up process. Then, the counterfactual simulations show that (i) a technological discontinuity which takes place after the demand window could reduce the effectiveness of the demand window in the catch-up process; (ii) the specific timing of the demand window could significantly alter the dynamic patterns of catch-up; (iii) protectionism is a necessary condition for the demand window to have its effect; and (iv) regimes of slow capability accumulation could turn out to be beneficial for the latecomer when a technological discontinuity follows the demand window. These results can help policymakers in identifying key conditions related to demand-led catch-up strategies.

This chapter presents a conceptual framework and setting for the book. This is informed by the desire to link three critical thematic areas, namely, (i) the global tourism value chains, (ii) COVID-19 and (iii) the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (AfSD) and the 17 embedded sustainable development goals (SDGs). Bringing in the SDGs adds value given that there are three SDGs (SDGs 8, 12 and 14) that make specific reference to tourism. Furthermore, COVID-19 negatively impacted many SDGs leading to governments, civic and private organisations revising budgets to channel resources towards “flattening” both the COVID-19 and economic curves. Understanding the global tourism value chains assists in opening up the complex tourism space and to systematically document COVID-19 impacts along with the industries within the value chain nodes. To this end, this chapter comes across mainly as an essay with heavy dependence on value add from the document and critical discourse analysis, as well as a meta-analysis of secondary data sources. The chapter is useful from both a theoretical and practical application points of view. A section bringing the nexus of the thematic focus areas is slotted in towards the end, with a critique of how the tourism sector should address shortfalls in relation to the SDGs within the COVID-19 pandemic.

PurposeThis editorial article introduces and analyzes a variety of new organizational forms that rapidly emerged in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe in the latest two decades. Among the others, these include: business model partnerships, business platforms, incubators and hubs, public–private partnerships, agribusiness companies' foundations and spin-offs, short supply chains, community-supported agriculture and other community self-organizing experiences. Building upon the recent literature and the five selected papers in this special issue, the authors discuss what is novel in these organizations and why, when and how they emerge and evolve over time.Design/methodology/approachThe authors identify three elements that, when considered together, explain and predict the emergence and evolution of these new organizational forms: institutions, strategies and learning processes.FindingsThe authors demonstrate that societal actors seeking to (re)design these new organizational forms need to consider these three elements to combine the pursuit of their interests of their own constituencies with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).Originality/valueTaking stock from the literature, the authors invite future research on new organizational forms to take explicitly the pursuit of the SDGs into consideration; to build upon a process ontology; and to deeply reflect on our positionality of scientists studying and sometimes engaging in these organizations.

In het kader van het Interreg North Sea Region project "RIGHT skills for the RIGHT future" is een rapport geschreven waarin het concept waardeketens (value chains) en de ontwikkeling daarvan in de energiesector verkend is.

In het kader van het Interreg North Sea Region project "RIGHT skills for the RIGHT future" is een rapport geschreven waarin het concept waardeketens (value chains) en de ontwikkeling daarvan in de energiesector verkend is.