Regulatory transfer in transitioning economies: responses to corruption and weak state institutions

Abstract

This article examines regulatory policy transfer into a transitioning economy and explores the impact of corruption and weak state institutions on the resulting regulatory design and implementation. The study looks at an accreditation programme aimed at lifting the safety performance, compliance and business efficiency of truck operators in South Africa. In this case study a heavily state directed programme operating in Australia undergoes significant modification and redesign to achieve similar regulatory effect in the South African context. The case highlights how in transitioning settings the requirement to deal with local cultural and contextual issues such as corruption and weak state institutions, results in innovative regulatory design and delivery frameworks. While highlighting adaptation progressed through transfer, this study points to the important role industry can play independent of government in delivering the regulatory effect. The findings demonstrate the value transfer studies can bring to the analysis and understanding of policy and regulatory practice. This is a qualitative study drawing on interviews and participant observation with industry and government officials involved in the South African trucking industry.