Backshoring: Towards international business and economic geography research agenda

Backshoring has received particular attention by consultancies, politicians and businesses, however, the literature on this topic is scant. By reviewing relevant literature, the paper demonstrates the incipient nature of backshoring research. It also identifies the most relevant disciplines (international business and economic geography) for better understanding the backshoring phenomenon and its managerial and political implications. Although the trend of (partial or total) backshoring is growing, it is difficult to assess how common the bakcshoring is due to the lack of reliable data. It is also difficult to estimate the scale of phenomenon as the concept remains ill-defined. Current research is dominated by contradicting observations and generates inconclusive findings. Therefore, there is an opportunity for theory testing and development.