RDA Hunter’s Smart Specialisation Strategy identifies 13 actions to deliver innovation-driven growth of the Hunter and implement programs in support of the region’s seven key areas of competitive advantage. According to RDA Hunter CEO Todd Williams, the State Government’s support for innovation hubs across the region is an important element in progressing the Strategy.

“The ground-up approach to innovation that our Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) advocates for includes collaboration between governments, industry, peak body associations, education providers and research institutions. Innovation hubs like those that have attracted State Government funding facilitate this collaboration and are therefore a key element in the growth of an innovative Hunter region.” said Mr Williams.

In announcing the State Government’s financial support for four physical innovation hubs across the Hunter, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills and Minister for Small Business, The Hon John Barilaro MP said “Collaboration and sharing ideas is a key driver of innovation in small business, and this program will make sure that start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Hunter have access to the same opportunities as those in Sydney.”

“Small business is the engine room of the NSW economy so we are hoping this partnership with the University of Newcastle will create new business ideas, new job opportunities and new industries for the Hunter region.”

Visit https://rdahunter.org.au/initiatives/smart-specialisation