Issue 3

PROFESSOR MIKE HEFFERAN, PROFESSOR BRUCE WILSON, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR PAUL COLLITS, DR WAYNE GRAHAM

Page Number - 276

This paper argues for a specific and measurable definition and a comprehensive and actionable framework for community economic resilience (CER). The paper focuses on how to specify CER; what attributes form CER; and how to measure CER based on its definition and attributes. The paper argues that CER can be specified through four guiding questions (‘Resilience of what?’; ‘Resilience to what?’; ‘Resilience for whom?’; ‘Resilience for what?’) and is formed by attributes including community capitals, diversity and accessibility. A comprehensive measurement framework is proposed that quantifies both constructive and performance CER through attributes and multiple outcomes, respectively. This novel framework synthesizes the many different approaches used to investigate resilience and provides meaningful (rather than just conceptual) insights on predicting and tracking CER over time for both academics and policy makers.

HUONG DINH, LEONIE PEARSON

Page Number - 278

Decision-makers routinely use statistical data as evidence, however, the picture of ‘reality’ provided by such data remains incomplete. Measuring the number of small businesses in a town does not reveal the objectives of the owners who may be driven by: profit; lifestyle; prestige or innovation. Such factors may create differences in economic performance irrespective of inherent local competitive advantage. This paper uses a mixed-method approach in order to create an evidence base that goes beyond basic statistical description. The research uses two case study locations – the regional cities of Goulburn and Orange in New South Wales. By combining statistical analysis with in-depth interviews, the study aimed to better understand the factors that contribute to regional economic performance. Findings indicate that social and human capital factors are important in understanding future development pathways for each city, highlighting the importance of qualitative perspectives in regional economic analysis.

FIONA McKENZIE

Page Number - 303

Intentional Innovation Communities (IICs) are co-created structures with an overarching aim of achieving the realisation of ideas through a transfer of knowledge process that results in new things, with desirable consequences. IIC structures facilitate idea creation, selection and implementation for the improved prosperity of a community, region, business or group. In this study innovation was investigated and stimulated within the Northern Inland region of New South Wales (NSW), through direct engagement with communities involving initial and follow-up workshops. A series of 11 workshops were held across Armidale, Tamworth, Bingara, Moree and Narrabri, with the intention of facilitating an exchange of knowledge on innovation, enhancing the contextual understanding of innovation capability and developing a model for achieving innovation within the region. Evidence gathered demonstrated that support exists for the development and application of an IIC model to stimulate individual and collective innovation within the region, through co-creation of ideas. The need for appropriate funding, support and resources that might be required to establish an IIC model is considered.

PHILIP THOMAS, SUJANA ADAPA, MICHAEL W-P FORTUNATO, THEODORE ALTER

Page Number - 323

This paper presents research which examined perceptions on the future of work in Queensland. It highlights the major drivers of change including: changing technology, demographics, increasing globalisation and economic shifts. Focus groups were conducted and findings show that Queensland businesses are acutely aware of the coming changes, but are less certain about how to respond. Current good practices plus recommendations for the future – particularly the lead role government and industry bodies need to play – are discussed. These recommendations will support Queensland businesses to thrive and adapt to the forces shaping work in this changing regional economy.

MICHELLE SMIDT, KAREN BECKER, LISA BRADLEY

Page Number - 349

The creation of an ‘urban village’ is increasingly seen as an option for physical regional developments through the renewal of inner mixed use communities normally in densely settled areas. A leading Australian example of this is the 16.6-hectare Kelvin Grove Urban Village, which was a disused military training grounds located at the fringe of the central business district of Brisbane, Queensland. This research explores how after only a span of 15 years, this inner city development has become an exemplar of new urbanism concepts and principles in Australia. A total of 30 of the original key stakeholders who each had a minimum of ten years involvement with the development were interviewed. The extended time period from inception to precinct maturity allowed the researchers to capture the reflections and insights from the participants. The lessons learnt provide some key elements that can be applied to other contemporary urban developments that seek high patronage, vitality, character and economic viability in regional development.

PAMELA WARDNER, MIKE HEFFERAN

Page Number - 373

PAUL COLLITS

Page Number - 398