Global value chains in international knowledge work: networks, stratifications and labour markets

Abstract

In this article, I aim to cast light on the arguably indeterminate phenomenon of the global labour market (GLM) by placing the focus on an industry that has sometimes been perceived as epitomizing homogeneity and 'world flatness' in its deployment of geographically dispersed knowledge workers, that of international software development. Engaging in a sanguine analysis of this industry with reference to an empirical study of outsourcing to Ukraine it is revealed that labour markets servicing ICT (Information and communication technology) are subject to deep, if fluctuating, social stratifications. With reference to the notion of the global value chain (GVC), 1 the significance of factors such as knowledge, language, citizenship and age as labour market differentiators for knowledge work is brought to the fore.

Understanding the impact of Brexit: The case of foreign software corporations in Scotland and South East England

“…A skilled workforce is critical to software sectors, and particularly to the continuing presence of foreign subsidiaries in regions, as repeat investment is important to their continuing viability (Hollinshead, 2019). The economic upheaval of Brexit has the potential to have a major impact on the medium- to long-term sustainability of subsidiaries.…”