Australia’s search for an industrial policy has been long and contested. Centralised models drawn from small unitary states do not fit the realities of a vast federation with diverse regional economies. This Insight argues that the way forward is mission-oriented and place-based: the Commonwealth defines national missions and platforms, while States and regions adapt and deliver through their own specialisations, building resilience, competitiveness, and innovation.

Innovation ecosystems often exist as dormant networks despite structural potential. The critical difference between contact lists and active collaboration lies in problem-focused interaction, trust-building, engagement, and governance mechanisms that align diverse organisational incentives. Successful activation requires shared challenges that demonstrate mutual value, system integrators that facilitate cross-sector engagement, and policy frameworks that reward collaborative

Sydney has impressive innovation assets, top universities, vibrant tech, and leading health precincts, but underperforms as a unified ecosystem. With 33 councils and competing districts, the city lacks the integration seen in Amsterdam, Boston, Singapore. New research argues Sydney must stop mimicking Silicon Valley and instead build metropolitan-scale coordination, trusted intermediaries, and collaborative governance to turn fragmented brilliance into global competitive adv

Successful innovation districts achieve integration across four critical domains: placemaking that treats public spaces as economic infrastructure, economic development based on systems thinking, commercial frameworks that align public and private interests, and governance institutions with clear mandates and adequate resources. Cities should treat innovation district development as a complex system requiring integration across multiple domains and timeframes.

In today’s constrained fiscal environment, governments are rightly asking hard questions. Why should public funds support innovation districts and precincts unless there is clear evidence of productivity uplift, industry renewal, or public benefit? This Insight explores the economic, industrial, and civic value of innovation ecosystems. It argues for a shift in focus—from short-term outputs to long-term productivity gains. It also offers a practical framework for measuring wh

John H. Howard, 15 April 2025 This Insight explores the growing significance of innovation ecosystems in driving economic transformation...

John H. Howard, 1 April 2025 Innovation ecosystems are critical for economic resilience and long-term growth. Cities worldwide are...

This is the first of a series on what makes good public policy. Further Insights will be published weekly on Tuesdays. Other Innovation...

Urban Innovation Districts represent a fundamental shift in how cities leverage knowledge, technology, and people to drive economic growth.

John H. Howard, 11 February 2025 The transformation of regional economies through innovation presents one of the most compelling...

Gavin Keeley and Dalene Wray*, 6 February 2025 The Regional Development Australia (RDA) Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast region presents one of...

The Port of Newcastle's evolution from a coal export hub to a diversified maritime gateway exemplifies how legacy infrastructure can adapt.

As innovation takes centre stage in national economic strategy, the governance of knowledge-intensive ecosystems is a major policy challege.