CWTS Pusat Studi Perdagangan Dunia

Kajian

World Trade Dynamics and Governance

Global trade is undergoing a significant transformation, shaped not only by economic interests and market efficiency but also by geopolitical security, environmental consciousness, and technology. This topic explores the increasingly complex architecture of global trade policy, aiming to map the intersection of diverse goals to realize future economic policies that are more inclusive, resilient, and equitable.

Sub-study:

1. International Trade Negotiations

In a volatile global political landscape, the study of international trade negotiations is vital to mapping the economic diplomacy processes of state and non-state actors. Developing reliable strategies and roadmaps is essential for achieving optimal and mutually beneficial consensus.

2. Commodity Diplomacy

Amidst globalized supply chains, key natural resource commodities have emerged as strategic instruments to enhance a country’s bargaining power. This theme covers industrialization policies, critical commodity ownership, and food and agricultural sovereignty.

International Competitiveness

Economic resilience is the cornerstone of societal welfare and long-term independent development. Crafting precise, contextual policies—from market diversification to quality standard enhancement—is key to trade and development policies that ultimately lead to sustainable prosperity. 

Sub-study:

1. Value Chains in Trade

International production is no longer concentrated in one location but fragmented across borders. This research focuses on analyzing a country’s position within value chains—whether as an upstream raw material provider, midstream processor, or downstream high-value service provider. By mapping these intersections, governments can formulate policies that drive input diversification and strengthen local production capacity.

2. SME Internationalization and Entrepreneurship

The growing role of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). demands a strategic direction for broader impact. This focus includes identifying structural barriers such as export financing access, international product standardization, and digital technology adoption. It also explores the effectiveness of assistance policies, simplified regulations, and entrepreneurship incubators in boosting global competitiveness.

3. Resource Strengthening and Trade Innovation

Knowledge at all levels of trade is a crucial factor in strengthening a nation’s global position. By enhancing domestic resource capacity, national competitiveness shifts from low-cost comparative advantages to innovation-based competitive advantages.

Fair and Sustainable Trade

The integration of environmental and social standards into global trade marks a fundamental paradigm shift, requiring intersectional, contextual, and ethical policy approaches. Trade is no longer an isolated activity but a system intertwined with climate justice, human rights, and social welfare.


As part of the Global South, Indonesia plays a vital role in advocating for trade governance reforms that are sensitive to development gaps and resource sovereignty. This topic explores alternative economic models, such as the circular economy and South-South trade cooperation.