NEWS A new dissertation from the Department of Geography by Maria Podkorytova sheds light on how global companies navigate diverse local contexts and how their strategies impact regional labour markets and economic development. The research is particularly relevant for regions characterised by uncertainty and change, offering important insights for strengthening societal resilience and shaping the labour market of the future.
Maria Podkorytova will defend her dissertation, “Advanced producer service firms as local and regional agents of globalisation,” on Friday, January 17.
Image Simon OjaThe dissertation demonstrates how global service companies adapt to regions characterised by prolonged institutional uncertainty, particularly in the former Soviet Union. In these environments, unpredictability and unstable structures are realities that companies must manage. As a result, strategies are often short-term, and flexible localisation becomes crucial to minimising risks. Networking and adaptability emerge as central tools for success. However, these adaptations are not merely reactive; they also contribute to shaping local economies.
"Uncertainty is a state in the economy and society where the ability to make predictions is absent. Under such circumstances, companies must quickly adapt to changing conditions, which also applies to global service companies often seen as a central driving force behind globalisation," says Maria Podkorytova, author of the dissertation.
This research creates a new understanding of globalisation's dynamics and its relationship with local conditions. By understanding these processes, local decision-makers can strengthen their role within globalisation and develop support structures that help companies and societies thrive in a globally competitive environment.
Understanding how global corporate needs are changing is crucial for meeting future challenges
The dissertation clearly shows how global companies' labour demands have transformed the labour market in Sweden over the past decade. Between 2011–12 and 2021–22, demand has shifted from more traditional roles to skilled professions in consulting, research, and education. This is a direct effect of the interplay between globalisation, local regulations, and trends within local economic geography.
"Understanding how global corporate needs are changing is crucial for meeting future challenges. By adapting skills supply, we can ensure that societies benefit from the opportunities of globalisation," Maria Podkorytova emphasises.
The research highlights that local labour market policy plays a critical role in managing these changes. Connecting global corporate strategies with local business and investment regulations is essential to ensuring that regions can capitalise on globalisation's potential rather than lose out.
In her dissertation, Maria Podkorytova demonstrates that globalisation's effects are far from uniform; the unique conditions of each location always shape them. The findings provide valuable tools for policymakers and regional actors working to strengthen economies and societal resilience in a changing world.
By creating synergies between global corporate strategies and local conditions, societies can develop flexible structures that promote both economic growth and social inclusion.
Through her research, Maria highlights that globalisation's challenges also hold opportunities. Through strategic decisions and targeted efforts, we can build societies that not only withstand uncertainty but also grow and develop in step with a globalised world.
Maria Podkorytova, Department of Geography, will defend her thesis Advanced producer service firms as local and regional agents of globalisation.
Opponent: , Department of Business Administration, University of Gothenburg.
Advisors: Rikard Eriksson and Urban Lindgren.
The defense will take place on Friday 17 January 2025 at 13.15-15.00 in .
The defence will be in English.
