Wilma Viviers is a professor of International Trade, director of the TRADE research focus area and NRF-rated researcher at the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). She has an impressive array of publications, and is a leading authority in the fields of export promotion, competitive intelligence (CI) and economic development.

Prof Viviers’ passionate research interest in, and active contribution towards the realisation of, strategies to improve South Africa’s trade performance and competitiveness, are acknowledged both locally and internationally.  Notably, the TRADE-DSM® (Decision Support Model) for the identification of South African export opportunities – which she has launched in this country – is being lauded in both government and business circles as a refreshingly efficient approach to export market selection.

Prof Viviers sits on several national and international committees, and is frequently asked to speak to stakeholder groups about her research initiatives.  She has also received numerous awards in recognition of her ground-breaking research over the years. In 2014, she was honoured with the award of a WTO Chair from the World Trade Organization.

NWU Research awards (2016) - International recognition  and International success