Drivers of Globalization: An Evolutionary Perspective on Firm-State Relations in the Asian Newly Industrialized Economies

The emergence of firms from the Asian Newly Industrialized Economies (NIEs) in the global economy during the past two decades has been phenomenal. Many pundits have attributed the competitive success of these Asian NIE firms and their home economies to the relentless efforts of the so-called developmental states. They argue that state initiatives such as active industrial policy and financial support have enabled these "national champions" to venture into and compete successfully in the global economy. This statist approach to the globalization of Asian firms and their home economies, however, has unfortunately ignored the complex and dynamic evolutionary nature of firm-state relations within the changing context of economic globalization. Drawing upon an institutional and evolutionary theory of change and adjustments, I aim to explain how the global emergence of Asian firms cannot be simply read off from and explained by their embeddedness in the developmental state. Since the 1990s, these Asian firms have strategically disembedded from state apparatus and successfully reembedded themselves in dynamic global production networks. This shift of strategic partnership of Asian firms from firm-state to firm-firm networks has profound implications for our understanding of the present and future trajectories of regional economies in Asia. It presages the demise of the developmental state as the primary driver of economic change and growth in Asian economies. In developing my conceptualization of changing firm-state relations, this paper draws upon several emerging and interrelated research frontiers in economic geography that call for more theoretical attention to trans-local actors and processes, evolutionary dynamics of change, and institutional contexts.Firm-state relations, evolutionary dynamics, globalization, selection environment, global production networks

Accounting for Outward Direct Investment from Hong Kong and Singapore: Who Controls What?

After a brief introduction and examination of the economic rationale for accounting for foreign direct investment (FDI), we survey information on outward investors from Hong Kong and Singapore with the aim of illuminating the implications of accounting for such FDI by geographical source or by country of ultimate beneficial owner. By any measure it is clear that a large part of FDI from these economies comes from foreign-controlled firms and hence that ownership-based estimates of FDI from these two economies would be much smaller than the standard, geography-based estimates. However, because outward investment by foreign firms in Hong Kong and Singapore often involves sub- stantial contributions from local staff and partners, an attempt is made to examine the extent of control over investment decisions exercised by these local staff and partners. Case studies from Hong Kong indicate a tendency for for local control over investment decisions to be relatively strong in 4 types of foreign-controlled Hong Kong firms, recently acquired firms, firms with strong local entrepreneurial involvement, customer-oriented firms, and relocated holding companies. On the other hand, evidence froma sample of Thai affiliates of foreign-controlled Hong Kong or Singapore investors suggested that many of the investors were acting as part of an integrated network of foreign investors. Thus, although it is clear local staff and partners have a large influence over the investment decisions of foreign-controlled outward investors in Hong Kong and Singapore, it does not appear that such firms are a majority among foreign-controlled investors in these economies.

REDES DE PRODUÇÃO GLOBAIS E A ANÁLISE DO DESENVOLVIMENTO ECONÔMICO

Este artigo descreve um modelo para a análise da integração econômica e sua relação com as assimetrias do desenvolvimento econômico e social. Conscientemente rompendo com formas estado-cêntricas de ciência social, defende uma agenda de pesquisa que seja mais adequada às exigências e consequências da globalização do que tradicionalmente tem sido o caso nos ‘estudos sobre o desenvolvimento’. Baseando-se em tentativas anteriores de analisar as atividades transfronteiriças das firmas, suas configurações espaciais e consequências para o desenvolvimento, este artigo vai além destas ao propor o modelo da ‘rede de produção global’ (RPG). Ele explora os elementos conceituais envolvidos neste modelo com algum pormenor e depois passa a esboçar um exemplo estilizado de uma RPG. O artigo termina com uma breve indicação dos benefícios que poderiam ser obtidos pela pesquisa informada pela análise da RPG. Palavras-chave: Globalização. Desenvolvimento econômico. Redes de negócios. Instituições. Enraizamento.ABSTRACTThis article outlines a framework for the analysis of economic integration and its relation to the asymmetries of economic and social development. Consciously breaking with state-centric forms of social science, it argues for a research agenda that is more adequate to the exigencies and consequences of globalization than has traditionally been the case in ‘development studies’. Drawing on earlier attempts to analyse the cross-border activities of firms, their spatial configurations and developmental consequences, the article moves beyond these by proposing the framework of the ‘global production network’ (GPN). It explores the conceptual elements involved in this framework in some detail and then turns to sketch a stylized example of a GPN. The article concludes with a brief indication of the benefits that could be delivered by research informed by GPN analysis.Keywords: Globalization. Economic development. Business networks. Institutions. Embeddedness

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Ultralight vector dark matter search using data from the KAGRA O3GK run

Among the various candidates for dark matter (DM), ultralight vector DM can be probed by laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors through the measurement of oscillating length changes in the arm cavities. In this context, KAGRA has a unique feature due to differing compositions of its mirrors, enhancing the signal of vector DM in the length change in the auxiliary channels. Here we present the result of a search for U(1)B−L gauge boson DM using the KAGRA data from auxiliary length channels during the first joint observation run together with GEO600. By applying our search pipeline, which takes into account the stochastic nature of ultralight DM, upper bounds on the coupling strength between the U(1)B−L gauge boson and ordinary matter are obtained for a range of DM masses. While our constraints are less stringent than those derived from previous experiments, this study demonstrates the applicability of our method to the lower-mass vector DM search, which is made difficult in this measurement by the short observation time compared to the auto-correlation time scale of DM

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Regional Development and the Competitive Dynamics of Global Production Networks: An East Asian Perspective

Yeung H. W.-C. Regional development and the competitive dynamics of global production networks: an East Asian perspective, Regional Studies. The debate on the nature and dynamics of regional development in both academic and policy circles has now moved on from the earlier focus on endogenous regional assets to analysing the complex relationship between globalization and regional change. This position paper attempts to engage with this debate through the experience of regional development in East Asia. The paper shows that regional development cannot be understood independently of the changing dynamics of global production networks. While the existing literature on East Asia tends to focus on the state as the key driver of economic development at the national and regional levels, it is argued that the developmental state is a necessary but not sufficient condition for regional development to take place. Instead, one needs to study the complex strategic coupling of those economic actors, particularly large business firms, operating in specific regions in Asia with their lead firm counterparts orchestrating production networks on a global basis. To illustrate these strategic coupling processes and their impact on divergent regional development trajectories, the author draws upon his own primary data and other papers to be published in this special issue of Regional Studies. The paper concludes with some major implications for theorizing regional development and strategic regional policy options. [image omitted] Yeung H. W.-C. L'amenagement du territoire et la dynamique competitive des reseaux de production mondiaux: du point de vue de l'Asie de l'Est, Regional Studies. Le debat sur les caracteristiques et la dynamique de l'amenagment du territoire dans les milieux academique et politique ne met plus l'accent mis sur les atouts regionaux endogenes mais plutot sur l'analyse du rapport complexe entre la mondialisation et l'evolution regionale. Cet article cherche a s'engager dans ce debat a partir de l'experience de l'amenagement du territoire en Asie de l'Est. Cet article montre que l'amenagement du territoire ne peut pas s'expliquer independamment de la dynamique changeante des reseaux de production mondiaux. Alors que la documentation actuelle sur l'Asie de l'Est a tendance a porter sur l'etat comme la principale force motrice sur les plans national et regional, on affirme que l'etat du developpement constitue une condition necessaire mais insuffisante de l'amenagement du territoire. Plutot, on etudie l'accouplement strategique complexe de ces agents economiques, notamment les grandes entreprises qui operent dans des regions specifiques en Asie pendant que leurs entreprises phares homologues organisent des reseaux de production mondiaux. Pour illustrer ces processus d'accouplement strategique et leur impact sur diverses trajectoires d'amenagement du territoire, on puise dans les donnees de base de l'auteur et dans d'autres articles a paraitre dans ce numero special de Regional Studies. Pour conclure, l'article discute d'importantes implications quant a la theorisation de l'amenagement du territoire et aux options strategiques pour la politique regionale. Amenagement du territoire Reseaux de production mondiaux Accouplement strategique Processus transfrontaliers Asie Entreprises Etats Yeung H. W.-C. Regionalentwicklung und die Wettbewerbsdynamik globaler Produktionsnetze: eine ostasiatische Perspektive, Regional Studies. Die akademische und politische Debatte uber die Art und Dynamik der Regionalentwicklung konzentriert sich heute weniger auf endogenes regionales Kapital; stattdessen wird zunehmend die komplexe Beziehung zwischen Globalisierung und regionaler Veranderung analysiert. In diesem Positionsaufsatz versuche ich, mit den Erfahrungen der Regionalentwicklung in Ostasien zu dieser Debatte beizutragen. Aus dem Aufsatz geht hervor, dass sich die Regionalentwicklung nicht unabhangig von der wandelnden Dynamik globaler Produktionsnetze verstehen lasst. Die vorhandene Literatur in Ostasien konzentriert sich in der Regel auf den Staat als wichtigsten Motor der Wirtschaftsentwicklung auf nationaler und regionaler Ebene; ich hingegen argumentiere, dass ein die Entwicklung fordernder Staat zwar eine notwendige, jedoch keine ausreichende Vorbedingung fur Regionalentwicklung darstellt. Stattdessen ist es notig, die komplexe strategische Kopplung dieser wirtschaftlichen Akteure zu untersuchen - insbesondere die von Grossunternehmen, die in bestimmten Regionen Asiens tatig sind und deren Leitfirmen Produktionsnetze auf weltweiter Ebene steuern. Um diese strategischen Kopplungsprozesse und ihre Auswirkung auf divergente regionale Entwicklungsverlaufe zu illustrieren, werte ich meine eigenen Primardaten sowie weitere Aufsatze aus, die in dieser Sonderausgabe von Regional Studies veroffentlicht werden. Zum Abschluss des Beitrags werden verschiedene wichtige Auswirkungen auf die Theoretisierung der Optionen fur die Regionalentwicklung und strategische Regionalpolitik dargestellt. Regionalentwicklung Globale Produktionsnetze Strategische Kopplung Transregionale Prozesse Asien Unternehmen Staaten Yeung H. W.-C. Desarrollo regional y las dinamicas competitivas de las redes de produccion global: una perspectiva esteasiatica, Regional Studies. El debate academico y politico sobre la naturaleza y las dinamicas del desarrollo regional ya no se centra como antes en el capital regional de tipo endogeno sino que tiene como objetivo analizar la relacion compleja entre la globalizacion y el cambio regional. En este informe pretendo contribuir a este debate a traves de la experiencia del desarrollo regional en el este de Asia. En el articulo demuestro que el desarrollo regional no puede ser entendido independientemente de las dinamicas cambiantes de las redes de produccion global. Si bien la literatura existente sobre el este de Asia tiende a centrarse en el estado como el principal motor del desarrollo economico a niveles nacionales y regionales, sostengo que el estado de desarrollo es una condicion necesaria pero no suficiente para que ocurra el desarrollo regional. Mas bien necesitamos estudiar la compleja conexion estrategica de estos protagonistas economicos, especialmente para grandes empresas comerciales que funcionan en regiones especificas en Asia y cuyos socios lideres organizan las redes de produccion en todo el mundo. A fin de ilustrar estos procesos de conexion estrategica y sus repercusiones en trayectorias divergentes de desarrollo regional, me beneficio de mis propios datos primarios y otros documentos que se publicaran en este numero especial de Regional Studies. Este ensayo concluye con algunas implicaciones principales para teorizar las opciones del desarrollo regional y de la politica regional estrategica. Desarrollo regional Redes de produccion global Conexion estrategica Procesos trans-regionales Asia Empresas comerciales EstadosRegional development, Global production networks, Strategic coupling, Trans-regional processes, Asia, Business firms, States,