PhD defence: Upgrading and downgrading of global value chains in European regions

This dissertation bridges evolutionary economic geography and the global value chains literature. It uses concepts such as relatedness and economic complexity to approach functional upgrading and downgrading in global value chains in European regions. The dissertation also studies the importance of complementary capabilities in global value chains for functional upgrading and downgrading in European regions. While regional capabilities remain crucial, interregional relationships play an important role in the dynamics of value chains in European regions. Furthermore, the dissertation shows how interregional relationships, as regional participation in global value chains, can contribute to technological diversification in regions.