A conjunctural approach to global production networks: the case of India’s software services industry

Abstract

Global production networks (GPNs) are a ubiquitous mode of industrial organization. This article advances the theorization of GPN formation. By focusing on the catalytic effect of seemingly unrelated crises that occur in different fields, it demonstrates the value of a conjunctural approach. Situated crises generate a mid-level thrust toward GPN formation, spurring new inter-regional and inter-firm relations. The study makes this point by using an under-studied case: the formation of India’s information-technology (IT) industry. It melds a practice-based, actor-strategy view of network creation (GPN framework) with a focus on crisis (conjunctural analysis). Thus, strengthening both macro/structural and micro/situated approaches to GPNs and their formation.