Abstract
Global production networks (GPNs) have become a key framework in conceptualizing linkages, power and structure in globalized production. However, this framework has been less successful in integrating the influence of digital information and ICTs in production, and this problematic in a world where relationships and power are increasingly mediated by digital information flows and resources. We thus look to adapt the GPN framework to allow more substantive analysis of ‘the digital’. Primarily, this is done through a theoretical analysis of the three core categories of the GPN framework – embeddedness, value and networks – to highlight how these categories can better integrate a more dynamic and contested conceptualization of the digital. Illustrations from research on the digitalization of tea sector GPNs in East Africa highlight how these theoretical advances provide new insights on the digital and its expanding role in economic production.
Highlights
Global production networks (GPNs) have become a key framework in conceptualizing linkages and crucially uneven power and structure in globalized production (Coe and Yeung 2015; Henderson et al 2002)
The GPN framework explores the economic relations of actors directly involved in economic production, as well as a wider gamut of networked relationships, institutions and policy that orientate the forms and practices of production
Less visible affordances and functioning of ICTs and digital software subtly reinforce the disadvantages that small firms have. These findings, namely that the digital becomes a ‘site’ of contestation and uneven relations, were difficult to integrate into core usage of the GPN framework and for all its explanatory potential, we found limited guidance on integrating the digital resources as an important role into GPN analysis
Summary
Global production networks (GPNs) have become a key framework in conceptualizing linkages and crucially uneven power and structure in globalized production (Coe and Yeung 2015; Henderson et al 2002). This article originates from research exploring changing practices around digital information flows, digital data and information and communication technologies. It would allow us to conceptualize the broader relationships and power related to the producers we were examining, and it would form a basis for understanding how the digital might disrupt economic structures and relationships. In practice, in its current form, we found that the GPN framework provided only limited analytical value in our investigations
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