Learning-led competitiveness: a challenge for Kenneth King, South African development

Abstract

For some, globalisation offers real possibilities for the eradication of world poverty; for others it is at the root of problems of poverty and inequality globally. Our position in this paper is that whilst it is possible to see real benefits within the broad and complex trends associated with globalisation much of globalisation remains biased towards the interests of the North. Nonetheless in this paper we shall work from the assumption that, whatever its problems, globalisation is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Thus the development challenge is to work to reduce its threats and increase its opportunities for countries, enterprises, communities and individuals. In our analysis, we seek to engage with this challenge by looking at South Africa's experiences in selected sectors since 1994 and by considering how they measure up to the challenge of responding to globalisation.