Strategic coupling in global production networks through international cooperation zones: the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Zone

This article unpacks the function of the international cooperation zone in promoting the strategic coupling of regional development in global production networks. Compared with 'coupling through market', the case of the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Zone (TCRIZ) shows a formation path of 'coupling through territorial intermediary' with the international cooperation zone acting as an intermediary agent with the function of attracting investment and promoting firm connections between the regional economy and global production networks. The coupling through territorial intermediary is particularly important for regions with weak competitive dynamics to articulate to global production networks.