Every occupation shortage list asks how many extra people are needed. None asks how much of the shortfall AI will absorb. The US, UK and EU now build AI assumptions into their employment projections. Australia's JSA publishes a disclaimer instead. Craig Fowler argues the SSN-AUKUS submarine build at Osborne is the proving ground: within one postcode it holds some of the least automatable trades in the economy and some of the most exposed program-office work. Net-of-AI forecas

Australia already possesses many of the institutional building blocks for a coordinated approach to place-based innovation. CSIRO, the National Reconstruction Fund, the Industry Capability Network, and the Net Zero Economy Authority all operate with distinct mandates and capabilities. The challenge is whether they can be aligned for shared regional and sectoral objectives. This Insight examines how coordination across these institutions could reshape innovation ecosystems and