The project was initiated by the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) and supported by a project team from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University that brings together expertise on regional innovation and development, the role of tertiary education in stimulating innovation, the EU approach and experiences with Smart Specialisation, and inclusive approaches to socio-economic transitions. The rationale for the project was to explore a novel approach to regional development in Australia, based on an approach developed by the European Union.

Findings:

Factors needed for successful regional innovation

• a culture of collaboration
• the role of the tertiary education and research sector in regional innovation systems
• an integrated policy framework that sits within a long-term vision
• the consistency and coherence of actions that flow from this in terms of industry-led and government-supported and facilitated innovation activities
• a culture of learning.