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ISSN : 2287-1608
Upgrading in Global Value Chains: the Cases of High, Mid and Low Technology Sectors in Thailand
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Abstract
This paper highlights how Thailand upgrades its positions in global value chains in high-tech, mid-tech and low-tech industries represented by electronics, automotive and frozen seafood, respectively. In the electronics industry, there are not many capable firms in the upstream segment like semiconductors. Nevertheless, transnational corporations in segment like hard disk drive began to invest in process R&D and collaborate more with local suppliers, universities and public research institutes in human resource and technological development. In the automotive industry, several Japanese car manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Isuzu set up R&D/Technical centres in Thailand since 2000s. This prompted Japanese and local part suppliers to also invest more in engineering, design and development activities. Some local universities offer as well engineering programmes specifically targeting the automotive industry. In the frozen seafood industry, several Thai firms have developed new ready-to-eat products, own brands and international distribution networks. They started to become transnational corporations investing in both developing and developed countries.
- keywords
- Industrial upgrading, global value chain, Thailand, automotive, electronics, seafood
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