Correct spelling for the English word "gawc" is [ɡˈɔːk], [ɡˈɔːk], [ɡ_ˈɔː_k] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
The Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC) refers to an interdisciplinary academic organization that focuses on the study of global cities and their interconnectedness. Founded by Peter J. Taylor in 1998, GaWC aims to investigate and understand the changing patterns of interaction and interdependence among cities in the context of globalization.
At the center of GaWC's research is the concept of a global city, which refers to a key hub in the global economic system. These cities are characterized by their ability to attract multinational corporations, financial institutions, and global flows of goods, services, and information. Examples of global cities include New York, London, Tokyo, and Sydney.
GaWC's research methodology involves the development of a hierarchical classification of cities based on their level of interconnectedness and economic influence within the global network. This classification is known as the GaWC city network, which ranks cities into different categories, including Alpha++, Alpha+, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, depending on their global connectivity.
The organization also produces research publications, including the influential GaWC Research Bulletins, which analyze and discuss various aspects of global urbanization, such as changes in the distribution of economic power, the impact of globalization on cities, and the role of cities in shaping global networks.
Overall, GaWC's work provides valuable insights into the dynamics of global cities and their significance in the context of globalization, contributing to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependencies that drive the global economic system.