We are facing longer-lasting shifts towards more multipolar production and consumption patterns. Shifting away from global value chains to increased regionalization of production networks is one strategy among several. Ongoing supply chain disruptions, rising transport costs and—above all—trade policy tensions as well as geo-economic strategies and environmental policies may well lead to more re- or near-shoring or regional block formation in the medium term. Global supply crises, commodity and energy crises, worsening climate and rising poverty, security risks that will particularly affect those countries that are not responsible. And the global landscape has changed because of the Russian war against Ukraine, supply chain crises, and pandemic. Global growth is decelerating, and global inflation is on the rise. The crisis in global supply chains shows that we are arguably facing some form of re-globalisation, which, on one hand, is stifling inclusive growth and putting jobs at risk and the other hand, is providing opportunities for SMEs to participate in economic growth at a much larger scale. In this course we will develop an understanding of these dynamics. 

Understand the content of the basic elements of GVC analysis in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Demonstrate knowledge of the main actors and governance mechanisms in GVCs today.
Outline significant development tendencies in various GVCs, notably regarding possibilities for upgrading of technology, organization, and labour in SMEs.
Use theoretical and empirical insight to assess policy recommendations on upgrading SME GVCs.

Participants are expected to attend all of the sessions.

The course is structured as a three-day-long “Block Seminar.”. Our modus operandi will be dialog, and the teaching approach varied, with a mix of interactive lectures, group discussion, case analysis, experiential exercises, and videos and, if possible, guest speakers.

Student grades will be determined by:

35% Participation.                                 

30% A 10-minute group presentation (with an accompanying slide deck) on the final day of classes.

35% Individual term paper (max 1500 words, Times New Roman, 12, single spaced), due February 20, 2025, at 12 PM Noon.

Classroom participation and attendance are required.

Participation and attendance are required to be admitted to the final presentation.

I expect you to be fully engaged in the learning process, and you should be prepared to participate voluntarily and when called upon in each session. This means devoting time and energy to preparation before, listening to others during, and engaging in discussions. Collective reasoning and discovery are critical to successfully applying the case method.  Asking questions can make high-quality contributions to learning when they advance general understanding by stimulating an in-depth analysis or explanation of a point.

Individual Deliverable: Term Paper

During the course, you will develop an informed contemporary view of GVC evolution and what it means for SMEs. For this assignment, you will write a short perspectives piece (max. 1500 words), drawing on the course discussions and reading materials. You will build on the PwC “Four Future Worlds” scenarios reading (see reading list) and connect with the SME GVC logic discussed in the course. Your perspective can be leaping, and it should not just repeat or summarize the readings. Instead, it can be provocative, and it should be your personal (informed) opinion. A good paper is counterintuitive while still supported by evidence.

Final Group Presentations:

During the course, we will have several active workshop sessions, which will lead to a final presentation on the last day of classes. In groups of 4 to 5 (depending on class size), you will prepare a presentation that will build on the PwC “Four Future Worlds” scenario reading (see reading list). The goal is to wrap your heads around what is coming for organizations and what executives in SMEs should do to be “future-ready.” A good presentation will provide a vision with specific recommendations built on evidence or logic that have a foundation based on existing knowledge. You will have ample time to work on this.

Grading logic:

My assessment of your work depends on how well you argue for your perspective and how these arguments link back to the course. I will evaluate your work based on content appropriateness, analytic strength, relevance, and communication effectiveness. Please refrain from lengthy quotes or repetition of the readings.

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Andreas Schotter: andreas.schotter@wu.ac.at