What we have done so far

Work carried out on economic regulation by TIPS has been mostly articulated around project related work during 2007 and 2008.  Research was carried out on behalf of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) regarding regulatory frameworks in network utilities (specifically telecommunications, transport and energy) and issues around the developments in and performance of these industries and respective economic regulators in South Africa specifically.  The research also considered the challenges for competition in these network utilities under the current regulatory regimes.    

Another project related to the air transport industry in Mozambique where the focus was on an investigation and analysis regarding the issues around liberalization.  The question was whether liberalisation is the only option for Mozambique in order to grow their air transport market to capture spin-offs such as an increase in tourism and the subsequent advantages that come with that.  The research considered issues such as the concepts of deregulation and liberalization and state protection; some case studies with regard to developing countries; the case for and the case against liberalization; different options that exist with regard to the airline industry; issues around the Yamoussoukro decision (that in essence relates to a quasi "open skies" policy for Africa) and finally the air transport situation in Mozambique. 

TIPS also played a supportive role in a project that was commissioned by the Presidency.  This particular project investigated the responsibility and jurisdiction of economic regulators in South Africa.  The research's main focus was with developing a coherent framework for economic regulators (transport, water, energy and telecommunications) relating to clear responsibilities, clarity on jurisdictions and unambiguous policy objectives that are in line with ASGISA.  This project formed part of the public good work of TIPS.

TIPS also ventured into researching completely separate industries (e.g. aluminium, coal and iron and steel) as way of broadening its horizon.  However, the focus still remains on economic regulation.