Edward Elgar Publishing Advanced Introduction to Global Production Networks (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction provides a comprehensive guide to the vibrant and expanding global production network (GPN) approach. Neil M. Coe deftly explores the antecedents and theoretical underpinnings of GPN analysis, as well as debates and controversies surrounding the approach and its position in wider interdisciplinary discussions. He argues overall that, during a time of profound ongoing challenges within the global economic system, the need for a GPN framework has never been more pressing. Key features include: • an up-to-date assessment of current debates in the literature • an integrated perspective on how GPN thinking can aid understanding of capitalist uneven development • a wide range of sectoral and geographical examples • a thorough discussion of connections to cognate debates in the wider social sciences and business and management studies • identification of future research challenges in the field. In short, Advanced Introduction to Global Production Networks is an ideal introductory book for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in geography, economics and business looking to understand the organization and dynamics of the global economy. Review ‘Neil Coe presents an engaging and impressively lucid introduction to global production networks as a powerful framework for understanding cross-border flows of goods and services and their geographical energies and outcomes. As one of the framework's architects, Coe expertly takes the reader through its core tenets, as well as inviting us to consider its potential for grasping some of the major challenges facing the global economy in the 2020s.’ -- Alex Hughes, Newcastle University, UK ‘Coe’s book offers a much needed, comprehensive elaboration of the GPN approach, detailing its origins, elements, features, and the processes through which GPN couplings shape regional development outcomes. It is a highly accessible and thorough resource for scholars and students interested in studying and understanding the organization, governance, geographies, and development implications of global production networks today. Superbly organized and written, this Advanced Introduction will be an essential reference and guide for years to come.’ -- James T. Murphy, Clark University, US ‘Coe navigates the complex world of global production networks in a highly informative and lucid way. He weaves diverse approaches to the analysis of global production networks into an articulate synthesis of a rapidly evolving GPN literature. This book is a must read for all scholars and students examining the dynamics of global production, distribution and trade, and wider social and environmental implications. It provides crucial insights into contemporary global economic development.’ -- Stephanie Barrientos, The University of Manchester, UK ‘Neil M. Coe’s Advanced Introduction provides all you need to know about global production networks in one place. Smartly organized, comprehensive but succinct, and easy to follow but precise, this is the perfect book for all those who want to know how the geography of global production is changing and why.’ -- Stefano Ponte, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark About the Author Neil M. Coe, Professor of Economic Geography and Co-director of GPN@NUS, National University of Singapore