‘Culture of Innovation’ shapes the future of Illawarra

Published: 3rd October 2012

RDA Illawarra (New South Wales) will be partnering with the University of Wollongong (UOW) to host the 4th Annual Regional Leaders Summit on 8—9 November 2012 at the UOW Innovation Campus.

“UOW and RDA Illawarra are hoping to engage the wider community, and invite members of the public to participate in debates and reach understandings on the issues facing the region,” said the emcee for the symposium, Professor Ian Buchanan from the UOW.

The theme for the 2012 Regional Leaders Summit is ‘Culture of Innovation’. The event will feature keynote speaker, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP, Premier of New South Wales, along with international, national and Illawarra-based researchers, council and business leaders.

The event will also include the official launch of the new Illawarra Futures Symposium Series which will enable people of differing perspectives, disciplines, professions, vocations and contexts to signpost policy and research issues relevant to thinking about and managing the future of the region.

“The Illawarra Futures Symposium Series will start a dialogue about the region with the people who live and work in the region. It will present facts about the present state of the Illawarra and it will offer and seek ideas for the future. The event aims to open lines of communication and provide a forum for informed discussion about the future of the Illawarra,” said RDA Illawarra executive Officer, Natalie Burroughs.

Sessions over the two-day symposium will include business innovation, the future of manufacturing, infrastructure priorities, the launch of the ‘Illawarra Green Team’ initiative, building resilient communities, innovative tourism and skills development for the Illawarra.

Participants will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues affecting the region and contribute views on shaping the future of the Illawarra.

For more information about the 4th Annual Regional Leaders Summit, visit the University of Wollongong website.

For more information, visit the RDA Illawarra website.