Thoka, Lebogang Annah2025-01-082025-01-082024-08-26https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/1109Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Economics: Comparative Local Development in the Faculty of Economics and Finance at the Tshwane University of TechnologyThis study aimed to assess the developmental effects of economic integration on SADC member countries using the system of innovation approach. In order to achieve this aim, the following research objectives were formulated: ▪ To evaluate the degree of regional trade integration among SADC member states ▪ To examine the level of institutional integration among SADC member states ▪ To assess the national systems of innovation of SADC member states and the SADC regional system of innovation ▪ To determine the degree of alignment between national systems of innovation of SADC member states and the SADC regional system of innovation. A qualitative research approach which combined a systematic literature review with document analysis using content analysis was adopted for this study. The critical literature review yielded contradictory results, with some studies finding that regional integration had positive developmental effects and others finding that regional integration had negative developmental effects. Some did not find any effect. Document analysis revealed, firstly, that SADC member countries had mainly failed to meet the targets of regional trade integration set out in the original SADC RISDP 2005-2020. Secondly, national economies of SADC countries remained undiversified, dominated mainly by the agricultural and mining sectors. The study found that there was still a low possibility of establishing a viable SADC regional system of innovation.1-150 PagesenEconomic integrationInnovation approachSADC countriesDevelopmentRegional system of innovationThesis