A new program destined for the Hunter will help determine the region’s business advantages and channel government resources on growth areas.
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Regional Development Australia has adopted the Smart Specialisation program from Europe where it has helped established priorities for investment and research.
RDA Hunter is the first to adopt the program in regional Australia.
The program has support from Australia’s chief scientist Professor Ian Chubb, NSW chief scientist Professor Mary O’Kane, and a European Union delegation who form the initial reference group.
“The aim of RDA Hunter’s Smart Specialisation project is to identify, build on and promote the Hunter’s strengths so that we can focus government resources for stronger economic growth.” RDA Hunter CEO Todd Williams said.
“Our Smart Specialisation initiative builds on the outcomes of our Hunter Innovation Scorecards by identifying the region’s key sectors, developing innovation activities that will grow these sectors further and directing resources to realise that growth.”
Mr Williams said Smart Specialisation was an integral part of RDA Hunter’s ongoing work to grow the Hunter’s international competitiveness through innovation.
The program builds on the outcomes of the 2013 and 14 Hunter Innovation Scorecards which found the region was highly innovative when compared to European Union member countries.
