Productivity and Innovation
The National Innovation and Science Agenda has committed significant amounts of funding to twenty eight action areas, which include de-risking start-ups; investing in STEM; attracting and keeping overseas entrepreneurs; and improving university-industry connectedness, amongst others. These measures signal that promoting a culture of innovation is essential to Australia’s economic growth and future prosperity.
Projects under this theme explore the opportunity and challenges for businesses, individuals and government to drive prosperity through improved productivity and innovation. Research under this theme investigates issues such as barriers and enablers to productivity, and the impacts of infrastructure development and investment, public services, as well as tax and regulatory burdens on economic growth in WA, and opportunities and barriers to innovation for micro-businesses and SMEs, which make up a significant proportion of all businesses in the Australian economy.
Related Projects
See All
Canning Vale Food Value Add Precinct
Australia’s First Regional Digital Innovation District and City
Relationships between metropolitan, satellite and regional city size, spatial context and economic productivity
Making Connections: Housing, Productivity and Economic Development
Economic Forecasting Model for Western Australia
The Economic Impact of Broadband Speed versus Penetration
Related Publications
See All
There is a broad consensus that the cost-of-living ‘crisis’ is the foremost issue on voters’ minds as we head toward the May 3 Federal election. Declining housing affordability is one key area in which household budgets are being stretched, whether... Read article
A modest rebound in employment after February’s surprise fall in jobs. Unemployment remains low and stable. Global uncertainty adding to likelihood of a May interest rate cut. Labour market steady in pre-election jobs figures The key interest in the labour... Read article
This BCEC Federal Election 2025 Briefing Note assesses trade and US tariffs, including an explanation and learnings for Australia. Through the imposition of trade tariffs, the US administration has fundamentally disrupted the global economic landscape, posing new challenges to economies... Read article
In 2024, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre made significant strides in building its national reputation while continuing to address key economic and social issues in Western Australia. Our research and policy advice gained greater visibility and influence at both state... Read article
Major advanced and emerging economies are setting targets to achieve an ambitious net zero emission target plan by 2050 to address climate change and ensure sustainable development. However, achieving this transition requires significant structural changes not only in energy mixes... Read article
— Surprise 52,800 drop in the number of persons employed. — — Unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent thanks to big drop in participation. — — Direction of labour market difficult to read amidst volatility and revisions to previous... Read article
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre team acknowledges the Wadjuk Nyungar people as the traditional owners of the land on which the Centre is situated.