Innovation at the Edges: The role of Innovation Drivers in South West Sydney

By Dr Cristina Martinez-Fernandez (Australian Expert Group in Industry Studies Chief Investigator)

Sydney has the potential to position itself as a world leader in innovation, simply by using existing resources more effectively, according to a new University of Western Sydney study.

The research paper, 'Innovation at the Edges: The role of Innovation Drivers in South West Sydney' identifies some of the more unique drivers of innovation in metropolitan regions.

It suggests that regional councils can take a leading role in spearheading innovation development through low-cost initiatives, such as encouraging new networking opportunities and establishing channels to transmit information freely between industry, regional organisations and the community.

Produced by the Australian Expert Group in Industry Studies (AEGIS) Research Centre at UWS, the paper also creates a blueprint for future innovation policy development by 'unpacking' the established concept of innovation and applying it to where we live.

The research paper concentrates on the Macarthur region in Sydney's South West, comprising the Local Government Areas of Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.

It is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, with population growth estimated to reach around 41 per cent by 2021, and the region's 17,600 businesses contributing approximately $5.8 Billion to NSW's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

AEGIS Chief Investigator, Dr Cristina Martinez-Fernandez says while the region's rapid transformation from rural community to urban centre over the past 50 years made it an ideal choice for the study, the resulting innovation model could be applied with equal success to other areas of Sydney.

"This study shows that boosting innovation doesn't necessarily mean massive cash injections," says Dr Martinez-Fernandez.

"It's about encouraging business sectors, regional organisations and the community to connect with each other in new ways, explore the expertise and knowledge that already exists on its doorstep, and investigate opportunities for new links with the Sydney metropolitan area."