Introduction

In her introductory remarks, Majzlíková questions the extent of true global integration within global value chains and examines the recent trend towards greater regionalisation. In addition to a global perspective, the research focuses on a selection of European economies. It highlights the use of a multiregional input–output model to examine the complex employment and value added shares in manufacturing. In addition, the author highlights the potential alignment of nearshoring with broader trends of deglobalisation and protectionism, often spurred by events such as global pandemics, wars and disintegration. Finally, Majzlíková explains the need to examine the pace of the overall deindustrialisation process, linking its recent slowdown to the regionalisation of value chains in many regions of the world.