Regions: unleashing their mojo in an interconnected world

The real game in regional development into the future is in creating globalised virtually connected regions. Technology has the potential to provide access to new markets, suppliers, capacity for wide scope and scale of businesses, new staffing models as well as whole new businesses. It also raises uncertainty regarding future markets, increased competitors, changing business ownership, and more interconnected and complex supply chains. To achieve maximum benefits, regions will need to understand the opportunities and risks and strategies to approach these.

Embracing change requires a confidence and optimism for the future. Running parallel to globalisation is an emerging sense of localisation. As the world becomes more accessible it is important that people also feel a sense of connection to place.

Distance isn’t a limitation in a digitally connected world. Time zone difference across the globe open new opportunities. Coffs can be as connected as California, Longreach can be as connected as London. Digital connection opens up huge opportunities across all sectors.

SEGRA 2013 will focus on the dual issues of a accessing global opportunities in regional Australia and local engagement of communities as a strategy to drive regional economic development. Key elements include building regions that are passionate, driven and fighting for their regional vision. In Coffs Harbour they call it unleashing their mojo. Key elements include creating a region that is vital, optimistic, creative and future driven through active strategies of co-creativity.

SEGRA will be a great opportunity to hear from nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers on issues of regional development in Australia, hear success stories by practitioners from regional Australia, influence the policy agenda, and hatch inspirational ideas for your own region.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this premier event, recognised as Australia’s most credible independent voice on issues affecting regional Australia.

Kate Charters
SEGRA Convenor.