This report serves as a summary of the second in a series of knowledge sharing sessions jointly held by the Department of Economic Development (EDD): National Social Dialogue and Strategic Frameworks Programme; and the South African Cities Network (SACN). The sessions are intended to contribute to a knowledge network by inviting a diverse set of perspectives to advise policy making and business planning.

Following on from the rich debate generated in the first dialogue session addressing “Spatial Transformation”, held on 29th January 2013, this second Social Dialogue session, held 27th March 2013, explored the Space Economy as an integral component of spatial development planning in South Africa. It stimulated debate through a series of presentations and through working group discussions that explored the various approaches and roles of the state toward regional spatial economics.