RDA Hunter’s 2014 Hunter Innovation Scorecard measures the Hunter’s performance against international leaders in the European Union. This makes the Hunter the first Australian region to measure its performance on a world scale.

The 2014 Hunter Innovation Scorecard is endorsed by the Australian and NSW governments with forewords by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, The Hon. Warren Truss MP and The Hon. Andrew Stoner MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Scorecard benchmarks the Hunter against the innovation performance of the European Union and other European states- a first for Australia.

“The scorecard measures the region’s innovation footprint and its capability in research and development, education and various industry sectors,” Mr Truss said.

“It sends a clear message to the rest of Australia and to the world that the Hunter is a first-class location for investment and business innovation.

“Building on the successful scorecard tool launched last year, RDA Hunter is helping the region to secure its future by meeting its full potential as a productive and growing national economy.”

H. E. Sem Fabrizi the European Union Ambassador to Australia was pleased to see the Hunter benefit from the strong Australian-EU relationship.

“Europe 2020 is our strategy for a smart, sustainable, and strong EU economy delivering high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion,” said the Ambassador.

 “We keep to this goal through monitoring our performance. I’m pleased to see that same monitoring and performance assessment system being used to benefit Australia.”

The Scorecard measured the Hunter’s performance against the European Union’s 190 regions and the Hunter ranked as follows:
• Introducing new or significantly improved methods and processes – ranked 70th
• Introducing marketing or organisational innovations – ranked 72nd
• Innovative businesses collaborating with others – ranked 25th
• Businesses innovating in-house –ranked 37th

Mr Todd Williams CEO, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, is determined to increase the Hunter’s competitiveness in the world economy.

“The Hunter Innovation Scorecard shows that RDA Hunter is serious about sustainable economic growth for the Hunter – Australia’s largest regional economy,” said Mr Williams.

“There is room for the region to improve, but we now have a clear understanding of our position against some of the world’s best innovators and we will forge a path for the future.”

Download the Deputy Prime Minister’s Media Release {module_literature,i,127541}

Download the {module_literature,i,128023}

View the European Union website story http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/australia/press_corner/all_news/news/2014/20141016_hunter_ivano_casella_en.htm

View the NBN Television news story http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2014/10/17/hunter-measured-against-the-european-union/

View the Newcastle Herald story http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2630639/hunter-innovation-scorecard-pits-local-economy-against-europe/?cs=305

View the ABC news story http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-16/hunter-scores-well-for-innovation-but-still-room-for-improvement/5817416?&section=news

View the Hunter Headline story http://www.hunterheadline.com.au/business-news/hunter-region-measures-up-against-the-eu?utm_source=Hunter+Headline&utm_campaign=9fd0a57b37-2013_53_Oct_Tues21st&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_279e285f08-9fd0a57b37-74952681

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