Connectivity in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is about relationships

Connectivity is often synonymous with digital or technological connectivity, and rightfully so as it is a major means and mode of connectivity. Connectivity, in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,  however is more about relationships. That is to say the relationships “between people-people, people-things, and things-things.” Competitiveness, in our globalized world, be it as an individual or business or nation-state, is  increasingly based

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The one thing you must do to compete in this globalized world Connect, Connect, Connect...global value chains and logistics

Competitiveness, in our globalized world, be it as an individual or business or nation-state, is  increasingly based ones ability to understand, connect  and maneuver within and between the various networks that make the world work.  Now you understand why global value chains (GVC) and logistics are two obsessions of mine.   Related Posts:The Top 20 Business Trends to look for

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My random, well maybe not so random, thoughts on Special Economic Zones Why are SEZs so important to Jamaica?

Excited about SEZs: The nerd meets the lawyer Maybe its the nerd, sorry, I mean lawyer in me that gets so excited to talk about Special Economic Zone development models….its all about structuring the deal.   On a personal note the development of Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone Regime has not only been an interesting one but professionally truly gratifying having

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Global Value Chains Workshop: top 5 takeaways

I recently had the privilege of taking part in a global value chain workshop put on by Duke University’s Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness (Duke CGGC) in Jamaica and here are my top five takeaways: Human capital development (tooling, re-tooling and right tooling) is a critical component to global value chain upgrading. Global value chains (GVC) are embedded in

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Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones: Form, function, and model

The activities within the SEZs are aimed at fully integrating the Jamaican economy into the global production and distribution systems that rely on global value and supply chains. This complex and dynamic system, at the heart of globalization, places Jamaica at a critical intersection of global trade, investment and services. In a globalized environment companies face several conflicting demands simultaneously, for example there is an equal drive to both centralize and decentralize production and distribution. Additionally, companies must balance global and local demands at the same time in the sense of being able to produce and distribute worldwide but at the same time adjusting product specifications through postponement to meet the local taste of consumers through customization.

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Is it time for Electronic Free Trade Zone?

The Executive Chairman of the Alibaba Group, Jack Ma, seems to think so. In his recent address at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum he called for the establishment of online free trade zones. These e-hubs would be focused on increasing the participation of small business in global trade who due to their size often face challenges plugging into the global market place.

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