Sectoral systems of innovation in two BRICS countries: A case of the clothing, textile, leather, and footwear sector of South Africa and Brazil

Clothing, textiles, leather, and footwear (CTLF) sector of South Africa has been a priority sector for the government for almost two decades. However, the CTLF sector has not been able to achieve the reindustrialisation levels envisaged by the government and other stakeholders. It is therefore necessary to explore the possibilities of gaining competitive advantage and also understand the challenges facing the sectoral systems of innovation that impede the development of the CTLF sector in South Africa. Through the triple helix theory of innovation and Porter’s diamond model of competitive advantage, this review paper looks at the CTLF sectors of two BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa, in an attempt to determine the factors that could jump-start the competitive development of the South African CTLF sector. This paper outlines proposals for improving the sectoral systems of innovation in South Africa’s CTLF industry, which should help it gain competitive advantage. It also makes a scholarly contribution to designing strategies that could be used to enhance collaboration among the BRICS nations.