Public Sector and Policy Research

Professor Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo

South African public sector research lacks vigorous study and analysis. This field has largely been understood from an applied approach. As South Africa defines itself as a democratic developmental state and an emerging market economy it has become imperative to produce research outputs that would generate epistemology or new knowledge that is appropriate. The research must also contribute to the body of knowledge that can be replicated in other parts of the world. This is important because South Africa has been integrated into the world system. Furthermore the research agenda is inspired by the work of persons like Vito Tanzi who has examined the changing role of the state versus the markets.

The research looks at public economics, income maintenance and distribution policy, economics of poverty and development policy, public service research – service delivery and the science of implementation, policy alternatives, political economy of development and urban and regional political economy and policy.