Development Policy Research Unit

Hosted by the

Development Policy Research Unit

Date: 27 - 29 October 2008

Venue: Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift, South Africa

The regulatory environment is often identified as one of the key challenges to economic growth and development in the developing world. South Africa is no different in this regard, with regulation and the regulatory environment often cited as a constraint to achieving the country’s macroeconomic and poverty reduction objectives. We hope, through the papers ultimately presented at this conference, to develop a more nuanced and considered view of this area of economic policy. We invite papers, predominantly but not exclusively, in the area of economic regulation with the aim of stimulating debate and contributing to our understanding of the growth process in South Africa. The conference aims to bring together researchers, policy makers, civil society and other social partners to critically analyse the work of peers and to dialogue on the findings and value from a policy perspective.

The key sub-themes within which we invite papers include the following:
• Financial regulation
• Local Government and Municipal Regulation
• Sectoral Regulation
• Tax and Tax-related Regulation
• Competition and Industrial Policy
• Labour Markets and Welfare
• Schooling, Higher Education and Industry Training
• Energy, Water and other Utilities
• Telecommunications
• Transport

It is envisaged that research papers will focus on the relevant legislation and the key institutions responsible for implementing the regulations in each area. In addition, the impact of these on economic growth and development will be evaluated. A focus on SMMEs and how the regulations specifically impact on their development as well as the creation of employment is encouraged. It is expected that a number of papers not focused on the economics of regulation, but relevant to South Africa’s poverty and labour market challenges, would also be considered.

Submission date of completed papers, or extended abstracts (3-5 pages) should be sent to the organisers electronically by: MONDAY, 30 JUNE 2008

Decisions will be communicated by: MONDAY, 14 JULY 2008

The conference will pay the local accommodation costs of one author per paper selected. The conference also has limited funds to support the travel of one presenter.

Please submit your abstracts to the following e-mail address: Lisl George

DPRU, School of Economics, University of Cape Town

Tel: +27 21 650 5705, Fax: +27 21 650 5711

Web Address: www.commerce.uct.ac.za/dpru/