Routledge The Moving Frontier: The Changing Geography of Production in Labour-Intensive Industries (Routledge Revivals)

Originally published in 1992 and based on two theoretical approaches: the Global Commodity Chain and the Global Production Network, this book investigates the multitude of processes, as well as diverse consequences of global integration upon industries, regions, enterprises and employees. In doing so, it draws from the experience of Western and Eastern and South-eastern Europe. These European cases are complemented with evidence from Kenya, Thailand as well as US, China, India and Mexico. The book explores multiple causes of decentralization, arguing beyond the pursuit of cheap and adaptable labour. It goes on to argue that the effects of delocalization within Europe, unlike those in the rest of the developed world, are less negative than usually portrayed. It concludes by putting forward recommendations for best future practice of successful adjustment strategies and examines how these might be adopted elsewhere in the world. Review 'This book illuminates central questions about the delocalization challenge in five EU countries whose collective experience is rarely examined: the UK, Greece, Poland, Estonia, and Bulgaria. Along with its detailed empirical findings for four industries (clothing, footwear, electronics and software) inside and outside of Europe, the book has a refreshing policy message: delocalization, within Europe at least, need not be a "race to the bottom" in terms of its employment or social effects, and it can be managed. This is a valuable contribution to our thinking about this topic.' Gary Gereffi, Duke University, USA '...an original and fresh contribution in perspective and results.' Economic Geography '...the authors touch on, bring together and deal with a number of issues that are under-explored and could be investigated further... the book provides a good starting point for those who want to familiarize themselves with the aforementioned topics and/or are in search for stimuli for postgraduate dissertations and research papers.' South-Eastern Europe Journal of Economics About the Author Lois Labrianidis is Professor of Economic Geography, Department of Economics, University of Macedonia, Greece.