The Central Coast Innovation Summit through a series of key expert speakers set the platform for our region’s future journey into the challenging and complicated business world of the mid 21st century.
Guests heard inspiring addresses from Regional Australia Institute CEO Jack Archer, innovation expert Dr Sarah Pearson from the University of Newcastle and the Senior Consultant of CSIRO Futures Greg Williams,
Topics covered include the challenges facing businesses in gaining a skilled workforce, the impact innovation will have on business and the decisions needed to be made by businesses in order to succeed in the future.
Mr Williams gave guests a fascinating insight into the CSIRO’s Global Megatrend predictions which are used as the basis for long term planning by major businesses worldwide.
He explaining how Central Coast businesses could gain access to this information and use it to grow and expand in the coming years.
Ms Pearson said innovation was critical to Central Coast businesses if they were to survive and grow,
Innovation-active Australian businesses are:
• 40 per cent more likely to increase income and profitability.
• Twice as likely to export, and five times more likely to increase the number of export markets targeted.
• Two to three times more likely to report increased productivity, employment and training.
• Three times more likely to increase investment in IT.
• Almost five times more likely to increase the range of goods and services offered, and make social contributions such as donations.
