Abstract
The sustainability transitions (ST) field has benefited from the integration of theories and insights from various fields. In this perspective, we argue that the time is ripe to consider how insights from global production network (GPN) and global value chain (GVC) research can contribute to a new understanding and explanation of complex and multi-scalar transition processes and outcomes. With a modular theory building point of departure, we discuss three ST research areas in which elements from GPN/GVC’s meso‑level analytical toolkit can be integrated: industrial transformation, multi-system interactions, and just transitions.