Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the key concepts and methodological tools used in GVC analysis. During the past decade, interest and use of the GVC framework have grown exponentially among academics, development practitioners, policymakers and a wide range of international organizations and agencies concerned with economic, social and environmental issues. The chapter employs an expository style and recent research examples as an entry point for those wishing to better understand and use the GVC framework to analyse how local actors (firms, communities, workers) are linked to and affected by major transformations in the global economy. It introduces a number projects led by the Duke University Global Value Chains Center, with an explicit discussion of local upgrading and policy options.