Using Italian manufacturing firm-level data for the period 2005-2020, we investigate the determinants and effects of the backshoring phenomenon. We propose a measure of backshoring as the reverse definition of “narrow” offshoring, signifying a negative change in the imports in the same HS4 product category as firm production that is persistent and not matched by a corresponding increase in offshoring to any other countries. We uncover that: (i) Backshoring remained relatively rare, among offshoring firms about 5% did backshoring during the period. (ii) Backshoring firms, on average, are smaller, younger, less productive, less internationally exposed, and employ a higher proportion of part-time workers. They predominantly operated in medium to low-skill sectors. (iii) After the decision to backshore, employment growth, value-added and turnover display a declining trend over time. Backshoring appears to drive a reshuffling in labour force composition, moving from white-collar to blue-collar workers and from highly educated to less educated employees, often involving an increase in the employment of temporary workers in the short term. This has significant policy implications.

This paper seeks to explore the global value networks (GVNs) reconfigurations through multinational corporations’ (MNCs) systematic transformations. It aims to investigate their GVN transformations from a new theoretical view - the interactions between the value chain system and the organisational system, in order to guide MNCs to reconfigure their GVNs under uncertain business environments. Using qualitative case study methods, six individual cases were studied and a three-stage transformational model of GVN is derived and presented with related findings.

The study investigates the impact of board members with transnational interlocks on Global Value Chains (GVCs). The study addresses gaps in the literature on GVC governance, emphasizing the importance of micro-level decisions by individual directors and their strategic management within GVCs. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the significance of individual managerial capabilities in GVC governance, the role of human and social capital through transnational interlocks, and strategies of emerging market firms in using GVCs for resource upgrading and expansion. It presents the findings under three theoretical constructs: orchestration capability, location/re-location, and network configuration, elucidating how these aspects influence strategic decision-making in GVCs. The study concludes with implications for managers in emerging market firms, underscoring the importance of leveraging transnational interlocks and strategic network configuration for effective GVC governance and sustainable growth in the international arena.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role within global value chains (GVCs), and their operations and supply chain activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, SMEs efforts towards accounting for and reducing their carbon footprint are crucial in achieving sustainability goals across the value chain. Understanding of the challenges faced by larger firms’ smaller suppliers, manufacturers, and producers across the GVC in meeting those goals remains limited. This conceptual paper highlights emerging knowledge of the sustainability journey across the GVC, integrating perspectives from both SMEs and larger firms. We thereby aim to contribute to a more holistic understanding of current sustainability challenges within GVCs, and we also identify new research questions to deepen knowledge of the decarbonisation process and identify effective strategies towards decarbonisation across value chain participants. We suggest that large companies can improve their ability to identify and resolve sustainability issues within their supply chains through increased collaboration with suppliers and their communities.

This paper explores the emergence of a global value chain (GVC) for the production of sports goods associated with the game of cricket. The focus is on the production of cricket bats and the development of a novel form of GVC characterized by an atypical multipolar distribution of power. It assesses the interdependencies between the UK and South Asia in the manufacture of cricket bats, the extent of regional specialization and the implications for manufacturing and regional economic development. Geo-political factors, migration and economic policy are seen to have played an important role in the evolution of the GVC.