G–7 and BRICS countries in global value chains

Abstract

G–7 and BRICS countries play important roles in the world economy and global politics. The aim of the article is to answer the research question: “How participation of G–7 and BRICS countries in global value chains has been changing since 1995?”. To answer this question global value chains participation indexes were calculated. They were derived from Inter-Country Input-Output Tables. The value-added of this study stems from employing Input-Output Tables delivered by two institutions (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Asian Development Bank). Consequently, article presents indexes calculated on the basis of two datasets. Combining two databases enabled to conduct study for quite long period (1995–2022). Analyzing the changes of global value chains participation indexes of G–7 and BRICS countries, we can distinguish following phases of internationalization: period of rapid globalization (1995–2008), global crisis and economic rebound (2009–2011), period of slowbalization somewhat strengthened by coronacrisis (2012–2020), and another recovery (2021–2022). This finding lead us to the conclusion that fast internationalization came to a halt in 2008 and since global financial crisis globalization has been quite slow despite some periods of recovery. Thus, there is an implication for more detailed research on slowbalization – its grounds, tendencies and prospects (whether fast internationalization is possible in the future; what is the role of economic policy in stimulating the pace of globalization).