Great results from the first phase of the project “Development and implementation of a model for assessing the innovation potential of global value chains as a basis for increasing regional competitiveness”

The team of experts from the International Higher Business School, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniela Georgieva and their colleague from Lithuania, achieved excellent results in the first stage of the implementation of the project “Development and implementation of a model for assessing the innovation potential of global value chains as a basis for increasing regional competitiveness”

The team has published one article and two reports from participations in international conferences, including one indexed and peer-reviewed in WoS and Scopus. One study and one report are currently under review. Participation has been taken in two international conferences. Information about the project has been disseminated among the academic community at the International Business School and during an international workshop in 2022. A press release has been published in the media. Analytical reports have been outlined and used for educational purposes, presenting analyses of primary and secondary data, including:

• Analytical report on current aspects and trends in the development of global value chains (GVCs);
• Analytical report on a comparative analysis of international practices in the activities of GVCs and their impact on national and regional economies;
• Analytical report on the applicable legislative and strategic framework with a review and analysis of EU policies and strategic documents.

Conducted activities include:

• Twelve individual interviews with experts from business and academia;
• Two legal audits of a high-tech and a low-tech enterprise;
• One focus group with Lithuanian representatives from business, non-governmental sector, academia, and public administration; One survey among furniture manufacturers in Bulgaria;
• One pilot study using the Delphi method.

The project aims to study Global Value Chains (GVCs) as a system of economic entities and processes united by stages of value addition and located in the territories of various national and regional economies. OECD studies indicate that global value chains generate significant economic benefits for both participating companies and national and regional economies in which they are positioned. Both large leading companies and small firms from developing countries can derive benefits. The project is funded by the Scientific Research Fund, with contract No. KP-06-N55/8 dated November 16, 2021, and has a duration of three years.