Sustainable industrial parks development in Ethiopia: Analysis of policy framework gaps

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the existing policy framework gaps impeding the need and efforts to promote sustainable industrial parks development in Ethiopia. The data were collected through the key informant interviews; survey questionnaires; document review; and observation. The quantitative data from the survey questionnaires was set in to descriptive analysis using IBM SPSS Version 26; and the findings with higher level of the respondents' agreement were discussed and triangulated with that of the survey from the conducted interviews, observation, and document review. Accordingly, the study reveals the lack of effective environmental management safeguard mechanisms (73.6 %); inadequate systems for enhancing industrial parks' economic sustainability (68 %); weak framework to improve social sustainability through industrial parks development (77 %); and weak governance practices including the lack of country specific framework for industrial parks standardization (83 %); weak capacity to adapt to the emerging global dynamism (82 %); weak institutional linkages (79.6 %); lack of contextual mechanisms for enhancing industrial parks' contribution in urban planning (77.7 %); inadequate infrastructure development and accessibility (70.7 %); and poor information management system (67.3 %). The paper can significantly contribute to the field of industrial sustainability in which the findings and the suggested strategic measures can provide a scientific knowledge and information to the policy makers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. In conclusion, suggestions have been given on how to fill the identified gaps within the specific context of the country. Finally, by acknowledging limitations of the present study, the authors indicate some essential future research focus areas which need an in-depth and multi-level investigation.