Abstract

GROBBELAAR, S.S.  and  MEYER, I.A.. The dynamics of regional economic integration: a system dynamics analysis of pathways to the development of value chains in the southern African customs union. S. Afr. J. Ind. Eng. [online]. 2017, vol.28, n.1, pp.73-89. ISSN 2224-7890.  https://doi.org/10.7166/28-1-1613.

Despite progress towards improved cooperation within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), it can be argued that real economic integration is still lacking. Cross-border value chain (VC) development has been proposed as a potential enabler of regional economic integration. This article draws on a systems thinking process to explore the dynamic process of regional economic integration and value chain development. Through an inductive approach, we consider pathways for value chain development using the agro-processing and automotive sectors within SACU as case studies. The outcome of the dynamic hypothesis is to inform a framework for strategic decision-making to support policy action towards developing cross-border value chains in SACU.

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