Mapping of the value system (commodity chain)

The mapping of the value system intends to provide a better understanding of the embedding of a local production system in larger economic structures. The purpose is to get an idea of the position of the cluster in the value system, both physically and in terms of power structures. Physically, this map is supposed to show the sequence of the value system, i.e. the main production steps along the chain as well as the key inputs. In terms of power structure, the idea is to denote in the map which actors are most powerful, for instance in terms of price negotiations.

What are the main traps and errors? Probably the largest problem is that participants have never thought about their reality in such a way, so that it may take some time to get the flow of observations moving. In this context, more than in the others, you may decide to suggest possible elements of the chain, in order to put the participants onto the track.

The following figure gives an idea of how a value system map may look like.

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 mapping

economic
mapping
mapping of
the value
system
local political
mapping