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Economic Geography Lab

We focus on theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of economic geography and regional development, particularly in terms of global production networks, global value chains and regional innovation systems.

Reseach focus

We elaborate innovative research in GPN related to shift of position of firms and to processes of de/re-coupling. We reflect the global challenges like transition to e-mobility, green technologies etc. The themes of research and final theses are available here.

Global production networks

We conduct cutting-edge research in Regional Innovation Systems related to role organisational and structural agencies, which shapes the quality of development and entrepreneur environment. The themes of research and final theses are available here.

Regional Innovation Systems

Ongoing Projects

Petr Pavlinek

2023-2025 | Czech Science Foundation

Impacts of the transition to the manufacturing of electric vehicles in the Czech automotive industry

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Viktor Kveton

2022-2025 | H2020

Economic, Social and SPatial INequalities
in Europe in the Era of Global Mega-trends

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Current papers

Geopolitical Decoupling in Global Production Networks

Pavlinek P. (2023)

Economic Geography

This article introduces the concept of geopolitical decoupling in global production networks (GPNs). Geopolitical decoupling is imposed on coupling participants by geopolitical forces that pressure transnational corporations to exit host regions/economies by cutting investment, production, and trade links with host country firms and industries. It also aims to disrupt inside-out trade, investment, and production links of host country firms abroad. The article identifies the basic features of geopolitical decoupling, the central role of states in geopolitical decoupling, the strategic responses of firms to deal with decoupling pressures, and the state strategies to cope with the negative effects of geopolitical decoupling in affected regions/economies. Empiri- cally, the article investigates geopolitical decoupling on the example of the Iranian automotive industry, which experienced three geopolitical decouplings from automotive industry GPNs since 1979. It dem- onstrates the short- and long-term effects of geopo- litical decoupling and recoupling on the Iranian automotive industry in the context of the strategic responses by the state and the political struggles over the nature of the state industrial development policy in Iran.

Geopolitical decoupling and global production networks: the case of Ukrainian industries after the 2014 Crimean annexation

Blazek J., Lypianin A. (2023)

Journal of Economic Geography

This study investigates the decoupling of Ukrainian aerospace, defense and electro-engineering industries resulting from the Russian Crimean annexation in 2014. Conceptually, we contribute to global value chain/global production network research by developing the notion of geopolitical decoupling, thus augmenting the existing 2-fold typology. Moreover, the article elaborates a typology of recoupling. Empirically, we investigate patterns of decoupling from Russia and recoupling via alternative production networks as well as patterns of decoupling/recoupling according to the position of companies in the production hierarchy. We found a neat pattern of decoupling from Russia according to tier but profoundly different dynamics of recoupling with the European Union and Asia.

The role of assets and variegated constellations of organizational- and system-level agency in regional transformation

Blazek J., Kadlec V., Kveton V. (2023)

European Planning Studies

This paper aims to contribute to the study of agency in regional development first by elaborating a typology of organizational- and system-level agency constellations in regions. Second, the paper outlines the main individual and collective assets which influence the vigour and sophistication of organizational- and system-level agency and by specifying the main drivers upon which the exertion of usually more scarce system-level agency is contingent. Empirically, via 30 in-depth interviews, the role of agency is studied in a region with multiple disadvantages. Nevertheless, innovative endogenous companies exist in this region, and we examined their compensation and exploitation strategies aimed at eluding unfavourable regional assets and almost-missing system-level agency. Finally, we outline several potential avenues for transformation in the case study’s region.

Towards an integrated framework of agency in regional development: the case of old industrial regions

Blazek J., Kveton V. (2023)

This paper investigates the role of agency in regional industrial path development using an integrated framework that combines three recent conceptualizations of agency: (1) firm- and system-level agency; (2) trinity-of-change agency; and (3) reproductive and change agency. Our framework redefines firm- and system-level agency into organizational- and system-level agency to enable a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the agency of various regional actors. Empirically, we contribute to the literature by analysing the evolutionary trajectories of two coal regions with vastly contrasting development dynamics. Our research primarily attributes these divergences to the substantial differences in the nature and vigour of system-level agency. However, our empirical research reveals that most actors exerted both organizational- and system-level agency, although at profoundly different intensities and scales.