The TIPS Annual Forum is a platform for researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to present research and engage in dialogue on policy-relevant issues hosted by TIPS. The Forums have overarching themes and have been running since 1997. For details of past Forums and copies of research presented, go to Forum Papers. TIPS is partnering with, and receiving financial support for the Forum from, the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI) based at the University of Johannesburg. The Forum will be undertaken in association with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic).
Looking ahead, inclusive industrialisation requires more decisive industrial policy interventions. Policy-orientated research is required to better understand the political-economy impacts, the socio-economic costs to society, and appropriate strategies and measures. The Forum offers the opportunity for collective critical analysis of possible solutions considering related opportunities and challenges, and further actions on broad themes of industrial policy and inclusive growth, such as:
- Building and enabling a small business ecosystem
- The production structure in South Africa
- Education, training and skills constraints within small and medium manufacturing enterprises
- The Master Plans, localisation, and other industrial policy instruments
- The climate emergency and the Just Transition
- Promoting green industrialisation among small businesses
- The quality and affordability of infrastructure
- Innovation in SMEs
- Technological change
- Strategies to promote more inclusive growth
- The AfCFTA and global trade
- Integration into regional value chains (within SADC)
Who can attend?
The Forum is a platform for researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to present research and engage in dialogue on policy-relevant issues. Government officials and others who contribute to policy are targeted by the Forum but all are welcome, though places are limited.