Alumni

Dr. Caio Torres Mazzi

Thesis:
Learning, Capabilities and Governance in Global Value Chains

Year: 2021

Promotor(s):
Neil Foster-McGregor and Carlo Pietrobelli

Abstract:

The objective of this thesis is to understand the conditions under which Global Value Chains (GVCs) favour economic development. My contribution is organized around three main aspects. Firstly, I present in three chapters studies whose common thread is looking at the influence of GVCs upon the performance of firms in the manufacturing sector. Therefore, my focus is on the impact of GVCs at the firm level and on microeconomic issues. Secondly, all studies are essentially empirical and apply econometric methods to survey data. This methodological approach, which is standard in the economic literature, actually departs from most of the GVC literature, which strongly relies on qualitative methods and case studies at the firm-level; and on input-output studies at the aggregate level. Finally, the theoretical framework I adopt is oriented not only by traditional GVC studies but also by technology-gap development theories; and this joint framework explains the main topics of analysis chosen - and cited in the title of this thesis – i.e. learning, capabilities and governance.



Selected publications by Caio Torres Mazzi


Articles (journal, professional, popular)
Pietrobelli, Carlo, Beatriz Calzada Olvera, Michiko Iizuka & Caio Torres Mazzi, 2023, `Suppliers' entry, upgrading, and innovation in mining GVCs: lessons from Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, Industrial and Corporate Change
Torres Mazzi, Caio, Neil Foster-McGregor & Glaucia Estefânia de Sousa Ferreirab, 2021, `Production fragmentation and upgrading opportunities for exporters: An empirical assessment of the case of Brazil, World Development, 138, More information
Torres Mazzi, Caio & Neil Foster-McGregor, 2021, `Imported intermediates, technological capabilities and exports: Evidence from Brazilian firm-level data, Research Policy, 50, More information


UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Brancati, Emanuele, Carlo Pietrobelli & Caio Torres Mazzi, 2021, The influence of value-chain governance on innovation performance: A study of Italian suppliers, UNU-MERIT Working Paper 2021-017
Torres Mazzi, Caio & Neil Foster-McGregor, 2019, Imported intermediates, technological capabilities and exports: Evidence from Brazilian firm-level data, UNU-MERIT Working Paper 2019-028
Torres Mazzi, Caio, 2019, Brazilian exporters and the rise of Global Value Chains: an empirical assessment, UNU-MERIT Working Paper 2019-014


External working papers
Torres Mazzi, Caio, Gideon Ndubuisi & Elvis Avenyo, 2020, Exporters and global value chain participation: Firm-level evidence from South Africa, More information


Theses
Torres Mazzi, Caio, 2021, Learning, Capabilities and Governance in Global Value Chains, PhD dissertation Maastricht University / United Nations University

UNU-MERIT