2007 Annual Symposium Papers
Working Paper 05.07
Global Production Networks: realizing the potential
Neil M. Coe, Peter Dicken and Martin Hess
Abstract
Understanding and conceptualising the complexities of the contemporary global economy is a challenging but vitally important task. In this article we critically evaluate the potential of one interpretive framework - the Global Production Networks (GPN) perspective - for analysing the global economy and its impacts on territorial development. After situating the approach in relation to other cognate chain/network approaches, the article proceeds to review and evaluate a number of underdeveloped areas that need to be understood and incorporated more fully if the framework is to deliver on its early potential. The article concludes with a consideration of the key research issues facing work in this area.