Abstract

The objective of this research is to generate a process of economic development able to overcome conflicts between populations in the different states of South Sudan by creating common economic interests. Within the framework of the World Bank Capacity Building program, we had the opportunity to lead two parallel focus groups in South Sudan, one on economic strategy and the second on public policy and regional decentralization. In order to achieve the objective of our research, we used the Porter's Diamond and the clustering process at the national level and the open incubator model at the regional level. The participants identified three potential clusters which involve all the states and are able to create common economic interests between populations: forest related products, gum arabic and its applications, palm and sesame oil. The clustering process could start by open incubators. Other Open incubators specialized in vegetables, crops and cattle will supply the basic needs in the different states and strengthen the decentralization process generated by the three selected clusters.  The open incubators solve the problem of current life and insure the subsistence of the population. The three clusters prepare the second phase of development, the industrialization process based on competitive advantages generated by more efficient use of local resources. We involved the different populations in solving conflicts by improving economic added value for subsistence and for a better future.

Key words:  Clusters, decentralization, South Sudan, competitive advantage, tipping point.