The ultrafine composite fibers consisting of lauric acid (LA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and silica nanoparticles (nano-SiO2) were prepared through the materials processing technique of electrospinning as an innovative type of form-stable phase change materials (PCMs). The effects of...

In the present work, three fatty acid eutectics of capric acid (CA)–lauric acid (LA), capric acid–palmitic acid (PA), and capric acid–stearic acid (SA) were prepared through melt-blending followed by ultrasonication and were investigated as model phase change materials (PCMs); for...

This presentation discusses a series of measures and actions to help explain the impact of governance on the behavior of global value chains. The topics include: 1) Supplier-led industrial upgrading strategies; 2) New constraints by global suppliers in industries that have already globalized; and...

This paper presents evidence of the importance of electronics global value chains (GVCs) in the global economy, and discusses the effects of the recent economic crisis on the industry. The analysis focuses on how information is exchanged and introduces the concept of"value chain modularity."The...

In this paper, we apply global value chain (GVC) analysis to study recent trends in the global electronic hardware industry and their implications for upgrading opportunities for firms from developing countries. We identify three key firm level actors – lead firms, contract manufacturers, and...

This presentation discusses a series of measures and actions to help explain the impact of governance on the behavior of global value chains. The topics include: 1) Supplier-led industrial upgrading strategies; 2) New constraints by global suppliers in industries that have already globalized; and...

In this paper, we apply global value chain (GVC) analysis to recent trends in the global automotive industry. We focus on how the recent economic crisis has accelerated pre-crisis trends towards greater importance of the industry in the developing world. The regional structure of production in...

This paper deals with the North American automotive value chain and analyses the prospects for Canadian automotive sector upgrading. The size and importance of the automotive industry in Canada's Ontario Province is a legacy of its historic ties to the 'Big 3' US automakers and its proximity to...

Growth in U.S. manufacturing’s real value-added has exceeded that of aggregate GDP, except during recessions, leading many to conclude that the sector is healthy and that the 30 percent decline in manufacturing employment since 2000 is largely the consequence of automation. The robust growth...

This paper lays out the main features of the global automotive industry and identifies several important trends. A boom in developing country sales and production has not yet overshadowed the importance of existing markets in developed regions. Regional integration is very strong at an...