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Transforming the system of SOEs in South Africa: Towards a mission-oriented state holding company
Authored by Professor Mariana Mazzucato and Dr Simone Gasperin
27 November 2023
UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) Policy Brief No.27
Author:
- Mariana Mazzucato | Director, and Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value | UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
- Simone Gasperin | Research Fellow | UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
Abstract:
This policy brief explores the potential of a mission-oriented state holding company, which is currently being instituted in South Africa. Moving from the concept of 'system of state-owned enterprises' and its different configurations, the paper illustrates the historical model of Italy's former state holding company IRI in comparison with the state ownership model currently in place in Italy. The brief presents the rationale for a state holding company and its economic opportunities, if properly structured as an entrepreneurial and mission-oriented organisation. Finally, it concludes with the presentation of an organisational and governance model that could inspire the current design process for South Africa's state-holding company.
Reference:
Mazzucato, M. & Gasperin, S. (2023). Transforming the system of SOEs in South Africa: A proposal for a mission-oriented state holding company. UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Policy Brief series (IIPP PB 27). Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/public-purpose/pb-27