Global value chains from a 3D printing perspective

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2016

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Department of Materials Science and Engineering; College of Business

Abstract

© 2016 Academy of International Business. All rights reserved. This article outlines the evolution of additive manufacturing technology, culminating in 3D printing and presents a vision of how this evolution is affecting existing global value chains (GVCs) in production. In particular, we bring up questions about how this new technology can affect the geographic span and density of GVCs. Potentially, wider adoption of this technology has the potential to partially reverse the trend towards global specialization of production systems into elements that may be geographically dispersed and closer to the end users (localization). This leaves the question of whether in some industries diffusion of 3D printing technologies may change the role of multinational enterprises as coordinators of GVCs by inducing the engagement of a wider variety of firms, even households.

Publication Title

Journal of International Business Studies

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