Cluster B – Growth Regimes, Social Blocs and Global Value Chains

The relationship of value chain reconfiguration with interdependent growth regimes and effects on economic and social resilience

Description of the Cluster

Cluster B examines the relationship of value chain reconfiguration with interdependent growth regimes and effects on economic and social resilience in the context of varying degrees of globalization. It consists of six work packages (WP), with their interrelation and process described in Figure 1.

Team

Work Packages

WP 1: Theoretical and conceptual foundations

This WP aims to develop a conceptual framework that integrates the three theoretical strands of global value chains, demand and growth regimes and dominant social blocs including new legal approaches. The results of WP 1 will provide the theoretical and conceptual framework for the other WPs. WP 1 will involve all researchers of Competence Cluster B.

WP 2: Global Value Chains (GVCs)

Institutions, social actors such as trade unions and the power relations between them are central to the restructuring processes of global value chains (GVCs). Work package 2 analyses how different actors along GVCs in different sectors and countries react to multiple crises. This WP is led by Prof. Christina Teipen and involves Anne Martin as an associated researcher.

WP 3: Demand and Growth Regimes (DGRs)

Crises can trigger changes in demand and growth regimes in both developed and emerging economies. Work package 3 aims to analyse the long-term trajectories of national demand and growth regimes in interaction with each other. Prof. Eckhard Hein heads this WP and works together with Juan Manuel Campana.

WP 4: Dominant Social Blocs (DSBs)

Not only the design of demand and growth regimes, but also of global value chains can be influenced by different and changing actor constellations. Work package 4 analyses the conditions that give demand and growth regimes and global value chains stability or lead to changes. This includes analysing the strategies used by producer groups, trade unions, political actors and other relevant stakeholders to assert their interests. Dr Ümit Akcay leads this thematic field.

WP 5: New Legal Approaches

This WP aims to explore the current strategy of regulation through mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (mHRDD) laws, and its impact on the social resilience of GVCs theoretically and empirically. This WP is led by Prof. Stefanie Lorenzen and involves a research assistant.

WP 6: Synthesis

This WP aims to integrate the outcomes of WPs 1-5. Theoretically, we will formulate a research agenda applicable across diverse cases, examining the advantages and constraints of employing such an interdisciplinary approach. Empirically, we will consolidate our findings on the interconnections among changes in GVCs, DGRs, and DSBs in both advanced and emerging economies. Finally, we will explore the potential impacts of a broader progressive economic policy approach, encompassing economic, ecological, and social sustainability, on the future evolution of GVCs, DGRs, DSBs, and legal frameworks.