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Søren Jeppesen

Associate Professor

Subjects
Industries Methodology Poverty Africa Entrepreneurship Social responsibility

Primary research areas

Firm practices and (labour) codes of conduct

I work on issues regarding local factors which influence the development and growth potential of firms in the Global South, predominantly in Africa. I focus on how strategies of state agencies, labor and private actors impact how such firms undertake activities of social responsibility.

Upgrading strategies in the Southern African Garment industry

My research with a South African colleague concerns the importance of Codes of Conduct for working conditions, growth and upgrading in the textiles and clothing industry in Southern Africa. I investigate how the industry in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini has been and is changing over time.

I investigate how firms, governments and other actors create jobs and industrial development in Southern and Eastern Africa

My research concerns the development of firms in the Global South. I work on issues regarding local factors which influence the development and growth potential of Global South/ developing country firms (or lack of same). Focusing on SMEs, Social Responsibility, I address the driving forces (or lack of same) for growth strategies of SMEs in the Global South engaging in socially responsible practices  (or not engaging). 

Major research activities concern a) the importance of Codes of Conduct for working conditions in the textiles and clothing industry in Southern Africa, b) the interplay between so-called Successful African Firms and Institutional Change, and c) the role of Youth, Entrepreneurship and Employment in contexts like Uganda, Zambia and South Africa. 

Recent research projects

Enclave development. The importance of the Southern African garment industry.

The research addresses the importance of (Labor)Codes of Conduct for working conditions, growth and upgrading in the garment industry in Southern Africa. A South African colleague (Prof. Andries Bezuidenhout) and I have since early 2000s looked at how the garment industry in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini has been and is contributing to local development. Key sources of input are local firms, government entities and labor organisations.

Outside activities

FAU - The Association of Development Researchers in Denmark , 2005–ongoing

Board member

MUBS, Uganda, 2017–2020

Visiting Professor