Value Chain Perspective Research Articles

The impact of digital industrialization and industrial digitalization on regional green innovation efficiency in China -From the perspective of the innovation value chain

To systematically detect the influence of digital economy on regional green innovation, this study regards regional green innovation as a two-stage sequential process, and constructs a network SBM model to evaluate the overall and stage green innovation efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020. Digital economy development is decomposed into digital industrialization and industrial digitalization, and an empirical study based on fixed effects regression model of panel data is conducted to determine their influence on the overall and stage green innovation efficiency. The results suggest the following: (1) The overall efficiency in China remained at a low level, with the efficiency of research and development being slightly higher than that of achievement transformation. (2) From the national perspective, there is no discernible effect of digital industrialization on overall efficiency, but there is a negative impact on research and development and a significant positive impact on achievement transformation. Industrial digitalization significantly improves achievement transformation and overall efficiency but has no discernible effect on the research and development stage. (3) In the eastern region, industrial digitalization promotes the improvement of both stages and overall efficiency, while digital industrialization does not have a significant impact. In the central region, digital industrialization and industrial digitalization have significant positive impacts on both overall efficiency and the efficiency of achievement transformation but have no impact on research and development. In the western region, digital industrialization inhibits the overall and achievement transformation efficiency, and industrial digitalization does not have significant impact on the overall efficiency or the efficiency of each stage. Finally, some relevant policy recommendations are proposed.

Tackling a wicked problem: toward sustainable management of surplus dairy calves using a participatory framework

Early life killing of male and female dairy calves not needed as replacements for the lactating herd poses a threat to the social sustainability of the dairy industry. However, implementing sustainable alternatives to this common practice is a complex challenge exhibiting many characteristics of a ‘wicked problem’. Addressing these problems requires understanding the needs of stakeholders including farmers, their advisors, value chain stakeholders, the public, and the animals. The aim of this study was to describe how Australian dairy farmers and advisors understand the factors affecting surplus calf management and examine how this understanding changed following interventions where participants were exposed to community and value chain stakeholder perspectives. To achieve this, we utilized a participatory framework that included longitudinal focus groups, where the same groups were reconvened multiple times, periodically revisiting the same issue, as a practical method for achieving deliberative engagement. We analyzed participants’ responses before and after the interventions were applied using thematic analysis. Responses were organized into two themes: (1) economic and practical aspects of surplus calf management; and (2) social aspects of surplus calf management. We conclude that farmers and their advisors see surplus calf management as complex and without simple solutions. Farmers are faced with numerous challenges when it comes to breeding, rearing, and marketing calves for economically viable beef markets and are often impacted at a personal level by this burden. Participants often positioned the public as naïve to the plight of the farmer, requiring education to understand and accept farming practices. However, exposing participants to community views, particularly those which included some common ground with which participants could identify, resulted in some participants suggesting public trust may instead lay in changing practices to align production systems with public values. In contrast, sharing value chain perspectives had less impact. Our findings indicate that participatory processes offer a promising approach for working toward sustainable management of surplus dairy calves in a local and global context.

Research on High-Quality Development Strategies for the Homestay Industry from the Perspective of Value Chain

This study uses value chain analysis to examine the basic and supporting activities in the homestay industry, explore the challenges present in the value chain activities, and offer recommendations. The study points out that homestay businesses should focus on core competencies and implement a series of measures to achieve value creation and cost control. Additionally, optimizing the policy environment and applying sustainable development are crucial for the transformation and upgrading of the homestay industry. The results provide practical guidance for the industry to achieve sustainable development in an increasingly competitive market.

Asymmetric fiscal policies and digital economy development: An empirical analysis based on the global digital value chain perspective

The indicator system for evaluating the development level of the digital economy is multidimensional and dynamic. Accurate and scientific evaluation of the digital economy's development level is crucial. This study, based on the characteristics of the digital economy's development stages, evaluates the value creation dimension of the digital economy from the perspective of the global digital value chain. Additionally, it considers the access and usage dimensions to construct a comprehensive indicator system for evaluating the global digital economy development level. The results reveal significant disparities in digital economy development between countries, but also show that some developing countries have experienced rapid improvements in their digital economy development levels. In theoretical and empirical research, this paper utilizes the Barro Rule and the Cobb-Douglas production function, employing mathematical derivations combined with empirical regression analysis to explore the relationship and mechanisms between asymmetric fiscal policies and digital economy development during economic downturns. It finds that in the new era of the digital economy, governments often implement proactive asymmetric fiscal expenditure policies during downturns. Continuously promoting the development levels of national digital economies is an important mechanism for forming these characteristics of fiscal expenditures. Finally, this study proposes relevant policy recommendations, enriching academic research and policy discussions in the fields of financial fiscal policy and digital economy development.

Determinants of Sustainable Rural Community-based Value Chains

Failure to understand business from a value chain perspective was identified in the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 as one of the challenges that need to be addressed for an entrepreneur's sustainability. Value chains refer to the activities that add value at each stage in developing, producing, and delivering quality products to customers. This paper aims to identify the determinants of effective and sustainable factors that underpin rural community-based value chains in their business conduct. In achieving these objectives, the methodology includes a case study on the Warisan Dapur Lenggong Business Project in Lenggong, Malaysia, library searches, and an analysis of previous literature reviews on value chains and community-based small businesses. The finding shows that factors contributing to the success of rural entrepreneurs in value chains can be categorised into internal and external patterns. Internal individual factors include entrepreneurial culture, skills and knowledge, adaptability, continuous improvement and Innovation, networking and collaboration. In contrast, internal community factors include community, leadership, local association and staff support, value proposition and differentiation, financial management, community resilience and perseverance. In comparison, external factors include access to market information, technology and infrastructural limitations, political influence and government policy. This paper also hopes to strengthen the body of knowledge on how effective value chains help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable competitive advantage as one of the agenda for 2030 Sustainable Development and for making Malaysia a higher-income and civilised nation.

Study on the Development Trend of Cross-Border E-Commerce from the Perspective of Global Value Chains

Study on the Development Trend of Cross-Border E-Commerce from the Perspective of Global Value Chains

Decarbonization in the maritime industry: Factors to create an efficient transition strategy

The maritime industry faces intense scrutiny to address climate change amidst strict environmental regulations and societal expectations. The paper mainly focuses on understanding and evaluating the key factors driving the transition toward decarbonization in shipping. The study utilized qualitative analysis, focusing on reviewing current environmental targets set by major regulatory bodies, notably the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU). The study concludes that a clear strategy for reducing emissions is essential, and a holistic approach must be adopted. Thus, the investigation identified several critical factors that can facilitate the creation of an effective strategy to achieve net zero emissions, comply with regulatory goals, and reduce current emissions. They are decarbonization levels (solutions), ecosystem (value chain), and drivers (enablers), collectively referred to as the decarbonization LED model. The study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy to support zero-emission transition. For instance, the paper explores the sector’s decarbonization potential through a value chain perspective (Scope 3): employing the life-cycle approach to assess the complete environmental footprint of ship – “Cradle-to-Grave” frameworks (from raw material extraction, production, and product use, until the end of its life) and “Well-to-Wake” methodology to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions from fuel production to end-use by a ship. Additionally, the paper assesses the potential impacts of environmental regulations in the maritime sector, predicting significant transformations in the industry’s operational, technological, and collaborative practices. AcknowledgmentThis study was partially supported by the SEUS project – Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON), under grant agreement No 101096224. This article reflects only the authors’ views, and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

Logistics input complexity and comparative advantage in manufacturing: based on the perspective of global value chains

ABSTRACT Logistics is an essential service for manufacturing because it supports the coordination and integration of global production activities, ultimately reducing costs and improving efficiency. However, it is not clear that the complex structural relationship between logistics and manufacturing under the Global Value chains (GVCs). Consequently, employing the input-output model, we develop the logistics input complexity (LIC) to capture the complex structural characteristics of logistics services embodied in manufacturing sectors and investigate its role in manufacturing comparative advantage. We find that the logistics input complexity can boost manufacturing competitiveness. Furthermore, we also confirm that the domestic and foreign groups of LIC have at least a partially complementary effect on the export competitiveness of manufacturing. Finally, we identify heterogeneity in the domestic and foreign groups’ five subdivision logistics modes of LIC. It suggests that logistics service providers must precisely match the related manufacturing production chains to cultivate a comparative advantage in manufacturing.

Spatial network structure and formation mechanism of China’s marine science and technology innovation efficiency from the perspective of innovation value chain

Spatial network structure and formation mechanism of China’s marine science and technology innovation efficiency from the perspective of innovation value chain

Analysis of Profit Model of a Medical Beauty Company from the Perspective of Value Chain

Analysis of Profit Model of a Medical Beauty Company from the Perspective of Value Chain

Bioeconomic innovations breeding more sustainable innovations: A value chain perspective from Argentina

AbstractInnovations are crucial for the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. They are embedded in and linked to complex value chains, but these interrelationships have not received much attention in the empirical literature yet. Using current typologies of four bioeconomic innovation types and six value chain models, this case study analyzes detailed data from 11 companies in Argentina to identify the drivers of sustainable innovations, their linkage to different value chain characteristics, and the main innovation types. The results show that certain factors such as supply and demand, interindustry cooperation and R&D, diversification strategies, personal values and the search for sustainable solutions particularly shape certain types of innovation. The structure and governance of the value chains influence the type of sustainable innovation. Innovations take place at different levels, and in succession, they complement each other and can thus make the bioeconomy more sustainable. Therefore, appropriate policies to promote the bioeconomy in Argentina and beyond should consider the type of value chains and specific innovation systems involved.

New Business Models in Agroecology

Agroecology is a new area of knowledge and emerging body of experience linking in a transdisciplinary manner, experiments, research, and action-oriented innovations targeting enhanced food systems’ resilience, environmental and socio-economic sustainability at the farm, organizational and institutional levels. Authors view is that applying ecological principles and social values to agricultural production and consumption has to have a market recognition. This paper investigates in which conditions agroecology can also offer new business models that are more inclusive, diverse, and profitable for farmers and other food system actors especially those small farmers actioning in a regional context and willing to cooperate to co-create new business models. These business models involve the adoption of innovations such as integrated management, organic fertilizers, participatory guarantee systems, and collective marketing in a regional value chain perspective. The paper investigates as well some pathways to agroecology developed in IH Bio Danubius, a regional cluster already engaged in organic agricultural practices and willing to further embrace new agroecological principles. One important pathway, in wich our research is conducted are conditions under which private (voluntary) standards based on indicators can meet market requirement through a viable business model.

Research on the Transformation and Upgrading of China's Manufacturing Export from the Perspective of Global Value Chain

With the in-depth development of the global economy, China's manufacturing export is facing an urgent need for transformation and upgrading. From the perspective of global value chain, this paper analyzes the position and challenges of China's manufacturing industry in the global value chain, discusses the motivation and path of export transformation and upgrading, and puts forward corresponding strategic suggestions. The study shows that China's manufacturing industry is gradually climbing from low end to high end in the global value chain, but it still faces problems such as technical bottleneck and brand lack. Therefore, it is necessary to increase investment in technological innovation and brand building, enhance export competitiveness, and realize the sustainable development of manufacturing industry.

Barriers and drivers to the development of an effective water reuse chain: insights from an Italian water utility

AbstractWidespread adoption of water reuse technologies is critical to the development of a circular economy and to reduce the pressure on increasingly scarce freshwater resources. However, the adoption of water reuse technologies involves a complex and multi-level decision-making process, influenced by different factors that hinder or support such adoption, namely barriers and drivers. The present research provides a first identification of such factors from a value chain perspective. To do so, the paper first conceptualises the water reuse value chain, including the actors and stages required to bring collected wastewater to the reuse destination. It then conducts an exploratory case study in the context of an Italian water utility facing increasing water stress. External barriers such as societal perceptions and lack of demand for recycled water emerge as particularly influential in hindering the adoption of water reuse technologies. Drivers emerge from both the external and internal environment, with the level of water scarcity and the effectiveness of collaboration and coordination between different institutional and policy actors being particularly strong. Barriers and drivers are found to be of varying relevance depending on the characteristics of the facilities and the reuse value chain analysed, including the operational status of the reclamation facility, the type of final reuse, and the roles in the value chains. The paper provides relevant implications for academics, policymakers, and adopters of water reuse technologies for a more circular and environmentally sustainable water sector, offering useful insights for decision-makers in related sectors. Graphical abstract

Digital Economy Development and Green Innovation Efficiency from a Two-Stage Innovation Value Chain Perspective

Resolving the conflict between economic growth and ecological sustainability is crucial when transitioning from traditional economic development towards a sustainable green model. In this context, the super-NSBM model was applied to measure the efficiency of green innovation technology research and development. Additionally, it was applied to measure the efficiency of the green innovation achievement transformation among 30 Chinese provinces. This evaluation was conducted for the period from 2011 to 2021, and it utilized a two-stage innovation value chain perspective. The entropy method was used to comprehensively calculate the digital economy development index, and the impact of digital economy development on the two-stage green innovation effect was empirically explored using SDM. The findings revealed the following: Firstly, both two-stage green innovation efficiency and digital economy development exhibited significant spatial characteristics. Secondly, digital economy development had a positive effect on two-stage green innovation efficiency not only in the local region but also in neighboring regions. This conclusion remained valid throughout a series of robustness tests. Thirdly, in terms of regional heterogeneity, the eastern region and non-resource-based regions had greater digital economy development dividends than the central, western, and resource-based regions; therefore, the effect on two-stage green innovation efficiency was more significant. Lastly, both intellectual property protection and data factor endowment exerted positive moderating effects on the influence of the digital economy on two-stage green innovation efficiency. The conclusions of this research provide a theoretical backing for and empirical proof of the mechanism of digital economy development and its impact on two-stage green innovation efficiency. Policy implications are suggested based on these findings, such as reinforcing digitalization, establishing targeted policies, and fostering a favorable external environment conducive to technological innovation.

Analysis on the Sales Links of Listed Companies Based on Value Chain Theory

This paper takes Great Wall Motor as the research focus, and studies and analyzes the sales links of Great Wall Motor. First of all, the research background and related theoretical basis and concepts of this paper are expounded. Secondly, from the perspective of value chain, this paper focuses on the sales link of Great Wall Motor, analyzes its relevant data in the past five years, and expounds the current situation of profitability in the sales link. Carry out a comparative study of comparable companies, find out the problems existing in the sales process of Great Wall Motor compared with comparable companies, and analyze its advantages and disadvantages. Thirdly, the problems existing in the sales of Great Wall Motor are described and analyzed. Finally, according to the data and problems of Great Wall Motor, practical solutions are put forward in the sales process, which will help to change the status quo and enhance profitability.

Institutional support to farmers for production of IARI variety of Carrot: A value chain perspective

Institutional support to farmers for production of IARI variety of Carrot: A value chain perspective

Commodities of Conflict: Rubber between the Blockades, 1914-1945

The British blockade of 1914 cut Germany off from its global value chains. While German planners had to develop new concepts to replace various imported goods, the embargo revealed the dependence of modern economic production on some strategic commodities. In particular, the supply of rubber, a vital raw material for many military and civilian products, posed serious problems for planners. However, conflicts over dependence on strategic commodities did not end with the lifting of the blockade. Instead, they dominated the interwar period on a global scale. This article will examine these interwar conflicts of commodities in the case of rubber. It will therefore examine the immediate response of German officials and businessmen to the blockade in the rubber sector. The second part focuses on the long-term consequences of the blockade from a global perspective. In addition to Germany, the United States experienced similar problems of dependence in the rubber market. From the perspective of global value chains, the article shows the enormous impact of the blockade on states and business and their efforts to control global markets. While substitutes such as synthetic rubber played an important role, international cooperation was another factor in securing the global supply of goods.

Actors and sectors in technological innovation systems: patterns of knowledge development in the field of second generation biorefineries

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the relationships between a focal technological innovation system (TIS), its surrounding sectors, and other TISs, through a value chain perspective. We examine how firm actors from sectors with different value chain positioning contribute to the function of the knowledge development in an emerging TIS. By assigning patents to value chain steps in the context of second generation biorefinery technologies, our findings indicate that sectors differ in their knowledge generation patterns in the focal TIS, and that multiple sectors can contribute to knowledge development along the whole TIS value chain. We also differentiate four types of TIS actors based on the way they develop new knowledge to approach the focal TIS: (1) actors from existing sectors that directly enter the focal TIS; (2) diversifying actors that enter the focal TIS but also its adjacent TISs; (3) actors dedicated to the innovation niche; and (4) actors that emerge and operate solely in the focal TIS.

Network and mechanism of China’s new energy vehicle industry from the perspective of value chain

Network and mechanism of China’s new energy vehicle industry from the perspective of value chain