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Robots do not get the coronavirus: The COVID-19 pandemic and the international division of labor

Author

Listed:
  • Steven Brakman

    (University of Groningen)

  • Harry Garretsen

    (University of Groningen)

  • Arjen Witteloostuijn

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    University of Antwerp)

Abstract

We assess the expected long-run consequences of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and use these as a platform to argue that international business (IB) as a field should expand its research agenda to study the international division of labor. The worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the shift toward the de-globalization of capital, but it will also speed up the move to a stronger globalization of labor. This paradoxical, simultaneous occurrence of de-globalization and globalization offers rich opportunities for future IB research.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Brakman & Harry Garretsen & Arjen Witteloostuijn, 2021. "Robots do not get the coronavirus: The COVID-19 pandemic and the international division of labor," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(6), pages 1215-1224, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:52:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1057_s41267-021-00410-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41267-021-00410-9
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