ABSTRACT
In the past decade, multi-state (super)regional trade pacts have become major actors in organizing the international economy, complementing a lead previously established by transnational private enterprises. The pacts clarify terms of trade and harmonize production processes in order to favour existing or anticipated regional flows and strengthen regional markets. Until now, their primary focus has been on market and production sharing. But in recent years, as firms have broadened their transnational activities to include R&D and the integration of product development across countries, the role of super-regional organizations with respect to knowledge-intensive activities has come under question.
