PhD student: Mrs B.O. Eze

Promotors: Mrs Prof A. Beckers, M. Archer

Duration: 2/9/2024 - 1/9/2028

Abstract:

Global value chains (GVCs) have emerged as a defining feature of the contemporary global economy, influencing the production and distribution of goods and services. Their governance is influenced by a complex interplay of public and private regulations. Research has emphasised the importance of private governance mechanisms within global value chains. Private documents, such as standards, regulations, and contracts, play an important role in shaping GVC structure and governance. These governance frameworks are critical for service delivery, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and a firm's ability to 'upgrade' within these chains. However, there is a gap in understanding how private documents structure global value chains to achieve various policy objectives. This knowledge gap is especially relevant when looking at GVCs from a theoretical standpoint based on the concept of socio-legal institutions. This study is aimed at addressing that gap by examining the role of private documents in the structuring of GVCs from a theoretical standpoint based on the concept of socio-legal institutions.

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