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Marta Solaz, Ivie economist, obtains her PhD from the University of Valencia

Her research work on “global value chains and international relocation of production” achieves the maximum qualification (Cum Laude)

The University of Valencia has awarded the highest distinction, Summa Cum Laude, to the PhD thesis presented by Marta Solaz Alama, Global value chains and international relocation of production.  The Ivie Economist received the title of Doctor upon defending her dissertation before a committee formed by  Mariam Camarero, Professor of Economics at the University Jaume I; Asier Minondo, Professor of Economics at the University of Deusto; and Carmen Díaz Mora, Professor of Economics at the University of Castille-La Mancha.

The research carried out by Marta Solaz analyzes the effects of international relocation of production and the emergence of global value chains on the specialization trade patterns of countries and their economic performance.

The thesis chapter on the participation of countries in global value chains shows the increasing integration of the Spanish economy and its sectors in international production networks. As a result of its vertical specialization, the import content of exports has increased in almost all sectors.  This chapter also highlights the importance of the services sector in the global value chains.

The results obtained in the other two chapters on the dynamics and economic impact of relocation indicate that relocation has had a negative effect on the economic growth of those countries specialized in products that, on average, relocated towards low income countries.

Overall, the analysis carried out in the various chapters provides tools to understand the new organization of production and international trade, and results which can be used as guidelines to design economic policies.

The thesis was directed by the Professors of Economics and Ivie Researchers, Francisco Pérez García (University of Valencia) and Francisco Alcalá Agulló (University of Murcia).