Prof Kaplinsky and Moss Nogoasheng
industrial dynamics but has also provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses operating in these regions. Through meticulous case studies and data-driven analysis, he has championed the cause of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, advocating for policies that empower local enterprises and foster technological upgrading. Moreover, Prof Kaplinsky’s influence extends far beyond academia. He has actively engaged with policymakers, international organisations, and development practitioners, translating his research findings into actionable strategies that promote economic resilience and social equity. His advisory roles for organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations have further cemented his reputation as a thought leader committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. The conferment of an Honorary Doctorate by UJ is not merely a recognition of Prof Kaplinsky’s scholarly achievements but also a celebration of his enduring impact on the African continent. His advocacy for equitable development strategies tailored to local contexts has resonated deeply within the region, inspiring a new generation of researchers and policymakers to pursue innovative approaches to economic transformation. Looking ahead, Prof Kaplinsky continues to push the boundaries of development economics, grappling with emerging challenges such as digitalisation, climate change, and the evolving global trade architecture. His recent work on the implications of technological innovation for industrial upgrading in developing countries underscores his commitment to staying at the forefront of scholarly inquiry. His advice to young researchers and scholars entering the field today, Prof Kaplinsky said that one shouldn’t be bound by a particular specialisation. “You will fall over as people will push you. The response to that is not to stay on the ground but to get up and reconstruct yourself. You’ve got to keep your discipline and your rigour.” Prof Raphael Kaplinsky stands as a beacon of intellectual rigour and social conscience in the field of development economics. His journey from an inquisitive scholar to a globally recognised authority has been marked by a steadfast dedication to understanding the complexities of economic development and advocating for policies that empower the marginalised. As he receives this well-deserved honour from the University of Johannesburg, the legacy of Prof Kaplinsky serves as an enduring inspiration for scholars and practitioners alike, urging us all to strive for a more inclusive and sustainable global economy. Taken from his speech during the ceremony, these were Prof Raphael Kaplinksy’s words to the graduates: “If you’re going to be engaged scholars, you will have the responsibility to make the world a better place. All of our policy instruments focus on the modern sector, the privileged groups in society and how we get modern industry to go forward when it stares us in the face that modern industry is never going to create the jobs that are necessary to give livelihoods to our population.”
Prof Kaplinsky and his wife
Prof Kaplinsky as a school child in Cape Town
To see Prof Raphael Kaplinsky’s full graduation acceptance speech, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/d5aw2kvIswc?t=4296
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