Definition: Global Production Networks (GPNs)

Global Production Networks (GPNs) - "a valueadded chain or division of labor of manufacturing output, organized by multinational corporations, usually with DC headquarters, in which production is broken into discrete stages in a number of countries, with each performed in countries best suited for stages. Export production by developing countries in GPNs usually contains a high proportion of duty-free imported intermediates." - source: Economic Development 4th Edition by E. Wayne Nafziger