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The Role of Uig Linkages in Improving Competitive Advantage: A Case of the Clothing, Textiles, Leather, and Footwear Industry of South Africa

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  • Sipho Mbatha
  • Sinqobile Sihlobo

Abstract

The South African clothing, textiles, leather, and footwear (CTLF) sector has been under competitive attack, mainly from Asian countries. The many studies undertaken so far have not focused on the role of research and development linkages among university, industry, and government (UIG), and hence, this study was undertaken. This study uses mixed methods, interviews of managers and directors from UIG actors, and a survey of CTLF firms to understand the role of UIG linkages in improving competitive advantage. The data was thematically and descriptively analysed. The findings highlight that most CTLF firms were not involved in UIG research and development linkages. As a result, CTLF firms have not utilised researchers available in the universities nor research-related industry and government funding that supports innovation and technological improvements. For the CTLF to improve its competitive advantage, its development strategies must include being engaged in UIG research and development linkages.

Suggested Citation

  • Sipho Mbatha & Sinqobile Sihlobo, 2024. "The Role of Uig Linkages in Improving Competitive Advantage: A Case of the Clothing, Textiles, Leather, and Footwear Industry of South Africa," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjz:ajisjr:2559
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2024-0048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weiwei Ye & Yan Wang, 2019. "Exploring the Triple Helix Synergy in Chinese National System of Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Sipho Mbatha & Anne Mastamet Mason, 2023. "Examining the Effectiveness of the South African Apparel Industry’s Systems of Innovation," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 12, January.
    3. Spyros Arvanitis & Nora Sydow & Martin Woerter, 2008. "Is there any Impact of University–Industry Knowledge Transfer on Innovation and Productivity? An Empirical Analysis Based on Swiss Firm Data," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 32(2), pages 77-94, March.
    4. Sipho Mbatha, 2021. "Competitive Advantage Threats and Opportunities in the South African Clothing, Textiles, Leather, and Footwear (CTLF) Industry," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 10, November.
    5. Sipho Mbatha, 2022. "Roles of Practitioners in Industry-Government Research Collaborations of South African Clothing, Textiles, Leather, and Footwear Industry: Implications for SDGs and Agenda 2063," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 11, July.
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