While offshoring is not a new reality, the way it is being undertaken is. The aim of this book is to help managers deal with the organizational challenges arising from the offshoring boom that now awaits us.

In view of the difficulties of obtaining a direct measurement of offshoring, the heterogeneous nature of sources, and the lack of consensus around the terminology used, this study draws heavily on the content of commercial reports, adding and breaking down data. In particular, recent data from the OECD and ORN (a research and professional network to which the authors belong) were used for the European Union and, more specifically, for one of the chapters dealing with Spain, while FDI reports and ORN data were used to gather information about the U.S.

The study offers guidance to the three groups involved. Firstly, it advises governments not to hinder the “natural economic process”. Secondly, it advises companies to see offshoring as an integral part of their global strategy. And thirdly, it proposes flexibility and training in order to re-skill workers affected by the phenomenon of offshoring.

This book addresses both researchers in the field and government institutions and companies, to whom it may provide useful input for developing the appropriate global strategies.