• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.56-76
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study is to clarify the global commodity chains of the grafted cactus of Umseong region. The major findings of this study are as follows. Buying materials for cultivating the grafted cactus is based on the intra-Umseong local network. In addition, exporting grafted cactus using cheaper labor force means spatial division of labor from semi-periphery region to core region in terms of Wallerstein's world system theory. It is thought that buyer-driven commodity chains of farm products profit by division of labor caused by a sales network of the grafted cactus. And such situation means that high quality of the grafted cactus in Umseong maintains the spatial continuity by commodity chains.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
• /
• v.51 no.5
• /
• pp.667-690
• /
• 2016

This paper reviews the evolution process of global production network(GPN) discourse, from its origin to the recent theorization, namely GPN 2.0. In so doing, the discursive formation of global production networks is introduced in comparison with a competing discourse global commodity/value chains, with particular attention to conceptual and analytical lacunae in the latter. This article also outlines how the global production network perspective has become a useful discursive and practical tool that allows the examination of the nexus of global economy, transnational corporations, and regional development. Subsequently, a theoretical dearth in the approach is discussed in reference to key critiques, and in this context Yeung and Coe's recent theorization GPN 2.0, which is centered on casual mechanisms and network configurations is reviewed. This paper suggests that the theory adequately addresses the problem of casuality lacking in its precedented conceptual framework, and that it helps exploring the formation and evolution processes of varied production networks(including intrafirm coordination, interfirm control, strategic partnership, and extrafirm bargaining) in connection with competitive dynamics and risky environments. As a result of the theorization, the difference between GPN and the chain approaches has become more apparent, and the idea of extrafirm bargaining is particularly important in the differentiation. Extrafirm bargaining is seen to be a comprehensive networking form inclusive of such GPN 1.0 analytical concepts as value, embeddeness, and power, and research attentive to, and engaging with, the extrafirm networks is expected to help transcending the chain governance approaches' analytical excess of interfirm linkages and industry-centeredness.

• International Area Studies Review
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.205-229
• /
• 2014

Global production networks (GPNs) emerged as multinational companies strategically relocated different stages of their value chain over many regions. Since GPNs require moving materials, parts, components and finished products across national borders multiple times, as well as coordinating it efficiently, they are intensified further within an integrated region. Within the region, developed countries which enjoy a comparative advantage in higher value-added tasks specialize in the production of ICT parts and components and exhibit high export RCA indices while developing countries show high import RCA indices. But, as developing countries upgrade technological capabilities and achieve industrial upgrading through participation in GPNs, their level of sophistication improves. East Asian countries have participated in GPNs to a greater degree when compared to countries in other regions because of a variety of factors. They have benefited much as shown by a significant increase in the level of ICT sophistication and export shares, which in turn led to uneven regional developments of GPNs in the ICT parts and components industry.