Integrating SWOT-QCA for determining subregion strategy in the economic sector

Abstract

Over the past 6 decades, several studies have been carried out to recognize the critical role of strategic analysis in the planning process under various conditions. Previous research shows that combining other analyses with Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) can complement certain aspects of strategy determination or quantify strategies. This paper proposes a strategy linkage based on specific regions. Generalized strategy formulation obtained from SWOT analysis is often ineffective in implementation and goal achievement. This is primarily because specific strategy formulation is essential in producing more effective and implementable strategy in the field. Despite the potential, methods that integrate qualitative and quantitative data are still rarely practiced. Therefore, this paper aims to offer an alternative approach to specific strategy formulation at the sub-regional level by integrating SWOT analysis with Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), known as SWOT-QCA. The application of SWOT-QCA was shown through a case study of economic development in Depok City, Indonesia. The results provided several innovative contributions to regional planning. These results have significant implications for addressing knowledge gaps, particularly in strategy formulation methodologies, which can assist planners and local governments in future regional development efforts.

Keywords: Economic development; Indonesia; Mixed method; Qualitative-quantitative approach; Regional planning.