Paper short abstract:

This study compares the tuna industries of Thailand and Ghana to identify the basis for the differences in performances of their firms in the global tuna value chain. The study discusses how the tuna chain influences the structural transformation drive of the countries, particularly Ghana.

Paper long abstract:

This study examines how tuna firms in Ghana and Thailand that are part of global value chains, have responded to local and global conditions to enhance their technological capabilities. The motivation behind this study is to move the debate beyond the current question of whether or not integrating into GVCs affects a firm's technological capabilities to look more intensely at the conditions which favour the promotion of the capabilities of firms in GVCs. Additionally, how GVCs are connected to structural transformation in developing countries is discussed by looking at linkages between involvement in tuna value chains and the local economy. The analysis is situated within the framework of the structural transformation programmes of the individual countries and as such, the study throws more light on Ghana's current framework, exposing the challenges that stifle it.

The canned tuna industries in both Thailand and Ghana are compared using primary data gathered from fieldwork in Ghana and secondary data from several sources including company websites and reports of the tuna firms, government agencies and existing research.

The results demonstrate how the ability of firms in developing countries to enhance their global competitiveness relative to GVCs is signficantly linked to the quality of local conditions in their country.