The article considers two groups of chains: knowledge chains (disciplinary, innovative, personnel, production, technological chains and knowledge chains as such), value chains (vertically integrated added value chains, global value chains, international value chains, world value chains, industry value chains, regional value creation chains, smart value chains). The common features characterising each of the above groups of chains are revealed. The «overlapping chains» phenomenon is described, characterising multiple instances of the chains from different categories being merged. The possibility of using a combined social analysis for studying and combining of knowledge chains and value chains in the process of creating integrated corporate structures is substantiated.