The TWIN SEEDS project has been buzzing with activity as 2024 drew to a close and 2025 began, showcasing impactful research and fostering critical discussions on Global Value Chains (GVCs). From exploring the circular economy and digital production technologies to addressing shifts in geopolitics and trade, here is a recap of recent dissemination activities: 

Keynote on Robotics and GVCs at Università degli Studi di Parma (29 November 2024)
Konstantin M. Wacker (University of Groningen) delivered his first keynote at Università degli Studi di Parma, showcasing insights from TWIN SEEDS research. His presentation emphasized that internationally integrated, robotized sectors drive employment growth, challenging the myth of robot-induced reshoring at a macro level.

Publication in Le Monde - Circular Economy in the Textiles Sector (2 December 2024)
Louise Curran (TBS Education) and Thibaut Joltreau (TBS Education) published an article in Le Monde, highlighting barriers to the circular economy in the textiles sector. This work, conducted with the help of Christian Gnekpe (TBS Education), is part of TWIN SEEDS’ broader exploration of sustainability in textiles and construction. The findings reveal that ambitious eco-design standards and high eco-contributions are crucial but challenging steps toward progress. 

EIBA Conference 2024 - Some Fruitful Contributions (12-14 December 2024)
The European International Business Academy (EIBA) conference in Helsinki provided a rich platform for disseminating TWIN SEEDS research:

• Panel on EU Global Value Chains:
  Several TWINSEEDS researchers from TBS Education and Poznan University of Economics and Business (PUEB) - Thibaut Joltreau, Louise Curran, Bernhard Dachs, Barbara Jankowska, Katarzyna Mroczek-Dąbrowska, and Aleksandra Kania - were part of a panel discussion on the effects of geopolitics, technology, and the pandemic on EU GVCs. Topics included the circular economy, learning from past EU industrial policy initiatives, and reshoring motivations and challenges. 

• Award-Winning Paper:
  Louise Curran and Thibaut Joltreau (TBS Education) received the "Best Paper" award in the Global Strategy and GVCs track. Entitled ‘The Impacts of Circular Economy Policies on Global Value Chains: A Study of the French Textile Industry’, the paper is a testament to TWIN SEEDS’ cutting-edge research. Special thanks were given to Christian Gnekpe for his foundational contributions.

Publication in Industry and Innovation - Exploring Digitalization and Exports (11 January 2025)
On January 14, 2025, Anna Wolfmayr and Bernhard Dachs published their paper, entitled ‘Digital Production Technologies and Exports’, in Industry and Innovation. This TWIN SEEDS study highlights the varying effects of digital production technologies on exports, offering fresh perspectives on digitalization and economic activity.

These activities demonstrate the breadth and impact of TWIN SEEDS research on critical global issues!