The “lightness” of Industry 4.0 lead firms: implications for global value chains

Author(s):  
Lukas Brun
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 174-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Strange ◽  
Antonella Zucchella

Purpose This paper aims to provide an assessment of how the widespread adoption of new digital technologies (i.e. the Internet of things, big data and analytics, robotic systems and additive manufacturing) might affect the location and organisation of activities within global value chains (GVCs). Design/methodology/approach The approach in this paper is to review various sources about the potential adoption and impact of the new digital technologies (commonly known collectively as Industry 4.0), to contrast these technologies with existing technologies, and to consider how the new technologies might lead to new configurations involving suppliers, firms and customers. Findings The authors report that the new digital technologies have considerable potential to disrupt how and where activities are located and organised within GVCs), and who captures the value-added within those chains. They also report that Industry 4.0 is still in its infancy, but that its effects are already having an impact upon the nature of competition and corporate strategies in many industries. Social/implications In particular, the authors draw attention to the potential cyber-risks and implications for the privacy of individuals, and hence, the need for regulation. Originality/value This is the first published paper to consider the likely separate and joint impacts of the new digital technologies on the practice and theory of international business.


Author(s):  
D. Mukha

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of Industry 4.0, the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on the key aspects of the companies’ economic activity, including multinational corporations. It was revealed how Industry 4.0 affects the placement and organization of global value chains. It was established that Industry 4.0 technologies contribute to the transformation of existing and the emergence of new (digital) business models, thanks to which companies can achieve a significant reduction in their own costs, gain additional income and enter international markets. It shows how Industry 4.0 can influence investment decisions, change the global flows and directions of foreign direct investment. As a result of the research, conclusions are drawn about the role of Industry 4.0 in the transformation of the business environment, industries, markets, and economy as a whole.


Author(s):  
Mark Schofield ◽  
Aniekan Emmanuel Essien

Although the concept of Industry 4.0 is still in its infancy, the ramifications of this emerging technology are beginning to be felt across various industries. This chapter deals with the application of new technology, such as the internet of things (IoT), big data and analytics, robotic systems, and additive manufacturing, in global value chains (GVCs). Secondary sources about Industry 4.0 are explored in order to compare new technologies and understand how they could impact manufacturers, companies, and consumers. The effects of digital technologies on location and coordination of work, as well as the capture of value in global value chains, are also discussed in this chapter. In particular, the chapter highlights the risks of cyberattacks and their consequences for individuals' privacy, calling for regulation in international and remote work contexts.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Christin Schmidt ◽  
Johannes W. Veile ◽  
Julian M. Müller ◽  
Kai-Ingo Voigt

PurposeThe study analyses how Industry 4.0 and underlying digital technologies influence the design of ecosystems in global value chains (GVCs).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative-exploratory research design is used. It deploys a multiple case study based on semi-structured interviews with 73 German managers of multinational enterprises. Applying a qualitative content analysis, the expert interviews are inductively analyzed and triangulated with secondary data to develop a synthesized data structure.FindingsThe analysis reveals a general tendency towards decentralization of value chain activities. Depending on the nature of each activity and several contextual factors, however, hybrids between centralization and decentralization of processes can be observed in Industry 4.0 environments. Consequences for global ecosystems are altered cooperation with business partners, new organizational forms and novel market environments.Research limitations/implicationsGiven inherent limitations in scope and methodology, the study calls for cross-industry and cross-country analyses. Further studies should research implications of Industry 4.0 changes in ecosystems and GVCs, and the role digital platforms can play in this context.Practical implicationsThe results help companies to analyze and adapt their role in ecosystems and associated GVC activities to Industry 4.0 environments, thus staying competitive in changing market conditions.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to empirically investigate the influence of Industry 4.0 on ecosystems embedded in GVCs. Reflecting existing company environments, it adds an international and company-external perspective to Industry 4.0 research.


2019 ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. Nazarov ◽  
S. S. Lazaryan ◽  
I. V. Nikonov ◽  
A. I. Votinov

The article assesses the impact of various factors on the growth rate of international trade. Many experts interpreted the cross-border flows of goods decline against the backdrop of a growing global economy as an alarming sign that indicates a slowdown in the processes of globalization. To determine the reasons for the dynamics of international trade, the decompositions of its growth rate were carried out and allowed to single out the effect of the dollar exchange rate, the commodities prices and global value chains on the change in the volume of trade. As a result, it was discovered that the most part of the dynamics of international trade is due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar and prices for basic commodity groups. The negative contribution of trade within global value chains in 2014 was also revealed. During the investigated period (2000—2014), such a picture was observed only in the crisis periods, which may indicate the beginning of structural changes in the world trade.


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