Local economic development: Innovation, new technology and green economies

Volume editor

Marius Venter

Volume editor

Chané de Bruyn

Synopsis

This fifth volume in the Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) series offers a timely exploration of how innovation, new technologies and sustainable practices can drive local economic development in South Africa and across the Global South. Combining rigorous research with practical insights, this book presents fresh empirical evidence and underrepresented perspectives that challenge mainstream development narratives, highlighting the complex, multifaceted nature of sustainable growth.

Through ten carefully crafted chapters, readers explore diverse economic sectors and disciplines, discovering how greener economies can be built through circular economy principles, conservation initiatives and socially inclusive approaches that leverage music, digital platforms and community engagement. The book emphasises the transformative potential of transitioning away from fossil fuels, demonstrating how sustainable innovation can simultaneously generate employment, strengthen local resilience and protect the environment for future generations.

A distinctive feature of this volume is its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together insights from governance, public expenditure, higher education and emerging industries such as cannabis farming. By examining topics such as trust in government, corruption and the role of higher education institutions in fostering regional innovation, the authors provide a holistic view of the drivers and barriers to sustainable local economic development. Each chapter offers actionable strategies, helping policymakers, researchers and practitioners understand how to harness new technologies and green practices to promote inclusive economic growth while addressing social and environmental challenges.

Going beyond theory, the book provides scientifically grounded frameworks for understanding how sustainable innovation can enhance competitiveness, attract investment and open new market opportunities for African economies. It equips scholars, academics, professionals and students with the knowledge needed to advance sustainable development goals, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for communities across the region.

Rich in conceptual depth and interdisciplinary insight, this volume is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of innovation, technology and sustainability in building resilient, environmentally conscious local economies in Africa and beyond.

Chapters

Preface
Celebrating 20 years of excellence and innovation

Chané de Bruyn
Chapter 1
Local economic development, innovation, new technology and green economies: Exploring current research trends

Chané de Bruyn, Marius Venter
Chapter 2
Driving green growth: Unlocking the potential of local economies in South Africa

Marinda Pretorius, Ilsé Botha
Chapter 3
The circular economy and sustainable business developments

Chanté Botha
Chapter 4
Sustainable economic growth through small-scale industrial cannabis farming and technology

Bulelwa Maphela, Seli Nthite
Chapter 5
Conservation and economic sentiment among local businesses in the Dinokeng and Cradle of Humankind projects

Peter Walther Baur, Johann Frederich Kirsten
Chapter 6
Empowering local economies: The role of Amapiano in promoting sustainable community development

Bulelwa Maphela, Chané de Bruyn
Chapter 7
An exploration of technology to promote arts and culture in local economic development

Peter Walther Baur, Johann Frederich Kirsten
Chapter 8
Trust in government and its impact on pro-environmental behaviour and concerns in South Africa

Johann Frederich Kirsten, Marinda Pretorius
Chapter 9
The relationship between happiness, tax policy and corruption in selected African countries

Marina Bornman, Karel Jacobus Burger Engelbrecht
Chapter 10
Higher education policies for innovation and sustainability: A bibliometric analysis

Lizl Steynberg, Jan Petrus Grundling
Concluding remarks

Chané de Bruyn