Title: Global value chain, trade and digitalisation: a comprehensive review

Authors: Ekta Verma; Sandeep Kaur

Addresses: Department of Economic Studies, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, 151401, India ' Department of Economic Studies, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, 151401, India

Abstract: Global value chains (GVCs) have emerged as an essential element of international trade, enabling firms to divide manufacturing processes across several countries. The introduction of digitalisation has remarkably transformed the GVCs and developed new dynamics that alter how products and services are designed, delivered, and utilised internationally. The review paper discusses the connection between the GVC, Trade, and digitalisation, highlighting how digital technologies are transforming and reshaping conventional GVCs. The present review paper underlines that digitalisation improves the production process and cost of communication and enhances quality and transparency, contributing to the accessibility, economy, and efficiency of global trade. Additionally, the review discusses the opportunities and threats for developing nations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to integrate GVC with digitalisation. Ultimately, this analysis emphasises how important digitalisation is to how trade and countries are conducted worldwide in the future.

Keywords: GVC; global value chain; international trade; digitalisation; transformation; digital technologies; manufacturing; digital economy; SMEs; small and medium enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2025.148616

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2025 Vol.21 No.4, pp.375 - 387

Received: 23 Sep 2024
Accepted: 26 Mar 2025
Published online: 15 Sep 2025 *

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