摘要：Regional competitiveness can be improved by providing value-added
services, such as transport and logistics services to both the local and global supply
chains. Transport and logistics clusters have been shown to reduce trade
transactions and to improve the efficiency of both local and international
transactions. The aim of this study was to identify the sectors that comprise the
transport and logistics cluster and to determine the cluster’s associated economywide
effects. Using a cross-sectional study design, location-specific competitive
advantages and economic multipliers associated with the clustering of transport
and logistics companies were computed for the North-West Province in South
Africa. Findings illustrate that the transport and logistics cluster comprises seven
sectors that associate positively with upstream and downstream multipliers in
various sectors within the region. Additionally, the sectors in the cluster are
relatively integrated and have high interlinkages. The cluster has potential for
higher levels of integration once the cluster is strengthened. In the context of South
Africa, this implies that transport and logistics cluster optimisation has a knock on
effect on various industries including tourism as shown elsewhere. This study offers
a unique econometric approach to identify and quantify the effects of transport and
logistics clusters on regional competitiveness and provides practitioners and policy
makers with insights into alternative strategies to enhance regional
competitiveness and growth.
关键词：transport and logistics clusters; economy;wide effects; regional
competitiveness
