Cross-cultural collaboration for inclusive global value chain: a case study of rattan industry

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how the cross-cultural collaboration between developed market and emerging economies promotes an inclusive global value chain (GVC) through innovation and technology transfer. Drawing on global rattan industry, this paper identifies the three typologies and social mechanism of cross-cultural collaboration in GVC. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative method with a case study of rattan industry. The case study analysis covers the linkages between upstream industries in emerging economies and downstream industries in developed countries. Findings The result shows that innovation and technology transfer play an essential role in the cross-cultural collaboration through presenting the creative value-adding process beyond the simple trade of rattan. This study identifies the social mechanism of cross-cultural collaboration in three GVC typologies of rattan industry. Research limitations/implications The study was undertaken between 2015 and 2017. The observed value chain in rattan industry context demonstrates the selected business network from Indonesia to the European countries. Practical implications There were some activities that worked well for decades, such as creative innovation and technology transfer from multinational corporations to small businesses. The initiative to promote brand seemed to work less well for the local designers in developing countries from being part of the GVC. The creative innovation and technology transfer from multinational corporations to rattan farmers continued to struggle. Originality/value This study draws a distinction between the typologies of GVC, where cross-cultural collaboration has developed slowly and those where it comes about quickly. This extends the discussion about creative value between players in developed and developing countries, including the social mechanism of cross-cultural collaboration in GVC.