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In this thesis globalisation is explored from both a temporal and spatial perspective, focusing on the role of global advanced producer service (APS) companies. These firms, recognised in the literature as key agents of globalisation, facilitate international outreach for other companies. The research spans three papers focusing on two areas: the former Soviet Union and Sweden. In both territories, it demonstrates how global APS companies adapt their location strategies to local contexts. In Sweden, the research further explores the role of global APS companies in shaping localised labour demand, highlighting their position in the competition within various job categories. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of global APS firms’ business strategies, the thesis employs a range of methodologies, including network analysis, modelling, machine learning and text analysis.

The findings uncover the dual nature of global APS companies, which simultaneously follow planetary trends while swiftly responding to changes in local conditions for doing business. Consequently, the complex and fragmented nature of globalisation is revealed. The temporal dimension plays a crucial role in the analysis, showcasing the diversity of spatial and labour market strategies of global APS companies over time. Additionally, the research highlights the influence of companies’ sectorial specialisations regarding business strategies and responsiveness to local contexts. This illustrates how companies within the same sector may adopt different approaches to location and hiring principles depending on specific local conditions.

The thesis advocates for a multi-scalar approach to globalisation research, emphasising the importance of scale in methodological considerations. It underscores how the choice of scale impacts research findings, demonstrating that globalisation manifests differently at various levels of analysis. This insight reinforces the need for reflection on scale as a key element in the design and interpretation of globalisation studies. This nuanced approach challenges universal narratives of globalisation, advocating for more contextualised and scale-sensitive research frameworks.