Kaplan, D., Department of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa has developed a technologically sophisticated and globally competitive mining equipment and specialist services sector. The paper provides evidence for and measurement of technological competency and global competitiveness and a brief outline of why South Africa was successful in this regard. While there are significant prospects for future growth, there are, at the same time, a number of constraints and South Africa is becoming a less advantageous site for both production and for innovation. Current government policy does not address these constraints and the sector does not feature in government's vision for industrial or technology development. An alternative approach is proposed whereby the constraints are addressed and the companies supplying the mining sector that have sophisticated technological competencies are encouraged to spread "laterally" into new products and new global markets. By way of conclusion, the importance of this sector in developing countries where mining plays a major role is outlined. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Alternative approach; Export performance; Global competitiveness; Global market; Mining sector; New product; Services sectors; South Africa; Technological capacity; Technology development; Competition; Developing countries; Innovation; International trade; Mining equipment; competitiveness; developing world; industrial policy; mining industry; service sector; technological development; South Africa
