Leveraging Big Data Analytics to Strengthen Global Value Chains amidst Geopolitical Crises

Amid contemporary geopolitical uncertainties, the shift toward a multipolar world order has highlighted unresolved global conflicts, significantly altering the economic landscape. Multinational companies (MNCs) now face challenges, including restricted access to energy and raw materials, economic sanctions—especially in the energy sector—trade barriers in high technologies, and increased risks along key transport routes. This research explores how Big Data Analytics (BDA) and BDA-based tools can mitigate these geopolitical challenges. It first analyzes theoretical frameworks for Global Value Chain (GVC) risk, classifies current geopolitical risks, and examines BDA's potential in addressing these risks through case studies. The research identifies Real-time Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, and Integration with other 4IR Technologies as key BDA capabilities that enhance risk mitigating strategies for GVCs. Although these capabilities are commonly applied in GVC management, they remain underutilized in an unpredictable geopolitical environment. The study aligns specific BDA capabilities with corresponding geopolitical risks, providing guidelines for GVC management and suggesting future adaptations of software solutions to help MNCs navigate geopolitically-driven business risks.