Book excerpt: This book reveals the hidden potential of emerging economies to become the new industrial hubs in existing global value chains. Pursuing a data-centric approach, it investigates the presence of foreign direct investment as an instrument for emerging economies to promote active participation in global value chains. This approach is based on time series analyses conducted at the national and industry level, and on datasets retrieved from international databases such as EORA, ICIO, and World Integrated Solutions. The outcomes of robust statistical models indicate that export-related innovations can improve trade openness and transform emerging economies into active players in global value chains. Researchers, developers, and professionals in the field will find a comprehensive and self-contained guide to the topic.