Globalization can have different consequences for societies, but these consequences are not as inevitable as is often assumed. Local actors play a role in shaping their environment, be it intentional or unintentional. On the one hand, globalization occurs when local and national actors or institutions cooperate or compete on an international level. On the other hand, local actors are influenced by global interdependencies and supranational orders which must then be readapted into national or local economies and societies. This interaction between actors and institutions on the local, national and supranational levels is the focus of the unit’s research. The three main fields of activity are: multinational companies, transnational regulation/mediation and networking organization as well as corporate governance and industrial relations.