In an era of growing trade fragmentation, this book offers fresh insights into the evolving dynamics of global commerce and the strategic dependencies that emerge. It examines how shocks and structural shifts are reconfiguring Global Value Chains (GVCs) through nearshoring and farsharing, and how firms can leverage internationalization to strengthen EU competitiveness.

The contributions also explore EU’s crisis-driven trade diplomacy across North America, Latin America, and Africa, highlighting the role of trade agreements in enabling—or constraining—these transformations. Finally, the book addresses the twin green and digital transitions and their profound implications for firm competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

Drawing on diverse perspectives, the chapters stem from an ongoing research initiative by Luiss University in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Together, they trace a clear trajectory: from the fragmentation of global trade to the policy responses and technological shifts shaping the future of business. Collectively, these themes define the pillars of Europe’s competitiveness in an age of turbulence.

Valentina Meliciani is Full Professor of Applied Economics at LUISS Guido Carli University, where she directs the Luiss Institute for European Analysis and Policy and coordinates the Master in European Economic Governance. She holds a Ph.D. from SPRU, University of Sussex, and a Doctorate from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata.” Her research focuses on Industrial, International and Regional Economics, and the Economics of Innovation. She has published widely in international journals, contributed to EU-funded projects on the information-based economy, and authored over 90 works, including two books with Routledge.

Tommaso De Portu graduated in Economics at LUISS University in 2022. Since 2021 he has been working for CapGemini as a BTS Consultant, assisting clients in achieving their business goals. In 2023 he joined the Politecnico of Milan as PhD Candidate. He is interested in Fintech, Insurtech, RegTech and Capital Markets Regulation.