Inequality, Geography and Global Value Chains

This contributed volume provides theoretical and empirical insights into a variety of contemporary issues about inequality, geography, and global value chains in today’s world, where global disruptions are prevalent, globalization is being transformed, and multinational enterprises (MNEs) are under pressure to promote sustainability. Many challenges and tensions created by growing inequality within and between countries, cities, and individuals, coupled with recent disruptions in the global economy, beg important questions regarding the role of MNEs.

A valuable resource for scholars and students in international business, the book provides a richer understanding of how MNE activities are being affected by the complex dynamics of the modern global business environment and discusses what strategies they need to implement in order to adapt to a changing world, while accounting for the interests of a broader range of stakeholders.  

“The Covid pandemic, rising inequality, and a growing backlash to globalization have resulted in distressed global supply chains, struggling economies, and new barriers to trade and investment.  How will multinational firms and governments respond to these challenges? This timely volume offers useful guidance and insightful commentary for scholars of international business.” (Rajneesh Narula, OBE. John H. Dunning Chair of International Business Regulation, Henley Business School, University of Reading)

“The importance of the need to better understand global value chains, and their significance for resilience, sustainability and inclusion has been emphasised by recent events, from the blockage in Suez, to Covid, and for some parts of the world, Brexit. This book offers an interesting discussion on the challenges that we face, emphasising how International Business as a discipline must be at the forefront of these debates. This therefore provides vital reading for anyone seeking new insights on these debates and planning future research around them.” (Nigel Driffield, Professor of International Business, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick)

“Nothing is the same anymore. This noteworthy volume provides valuable insights and guidance for addressing twenty-century disruptions, re-globalization and grant challenges for executives, politicians and any aware individual.” (Andreas Schotter, Associate Professor of General Management, Western University & Professor of International Business, Vienna School of Economics and Business)

“This volume tackles one of the most pressing issues of our times: the growing geographical inequality – within and across countries – caused by globalisation. It focuses on multinational enterprises as leading actors in the internationalization of economic activities and the restructuring of international division of labour through global value chains. The papers provide insights from wide-ranging perspectives, geographical levels, and contexts. It is a fascinating compendium and an essential tool for future research on the topic.” (Simona Iammarino, Professor of Economic Geography, London School of Economics and Political Science)

Jong Min Lee is an Assistant Professor in International Business at the School of Business, Yonsei University, South Korea. Previously, he worked as an Associate Professor in International Business and Strategy at the Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK. His recent works have appeared in the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Journal of International Management, and Journal of Business Ethics, among others. He currently serves as a member of the editorial review board of the Journal of International Business Studies and as a reviewing editor for the Asian Business & Management.

J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo is an Assistant Professor in International Business and Strategy at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. The focus of his research is mainly on emerging economies. Eduardo’s work won the EPAINOS Young Scientist Prize (2019), awardedby the European Regional Science Association. His work has appeared in journals such as Regional Science and Urban Economics, Papers in Regional Science, Science and Public Policy, Economics of Education Review, and International Migration Review. He teaches courses on international business strategy, economics, and quantitative research methods.

Katiuscia Lavoratori is an Assistant Professor in International Business at Henley Business School, University of Reading (UK). She is a fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. Previously, Katiuscia worked as a research fellow at Warwick Business School, University of Warwick (UK). Her work has appeared in leading journals such as the Journal of International Business Studies, Regional Studies, Global Strategy Journal, Management International Review and Journal of Regional Science. 

Liang (Arthur) Li is an Assistant Professor in Global Management Studies at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and a former Assistant Professor in International Business and Strategy at the Henley Business School, University of Reading. Prior to pursuing his PhD at Ivey, Arthur has accumulated substantial industry and management experience. He has co-founded an import and export trading company and has worked in several large MNEs as a subsidiary general manager.