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Think local
Regional universities will be central to their communities ’ post-COVID future .
By Duncan Bentley
I am delighted to be joining Federation University Australia at a time when regional universities are more important to their communities than ever . As we start to see the spectre of COVID-19 diminishing in our rear-view mirror , Federation and other regional universities will be in the driver ’ s seat to play a crucial role in supporting and steering the economic , social and cultural recovery and the associated development of our regional communities .
Research has shown that regional universities make a significant contribution to the economic health of regional centres in a variety of ways . A 2020 report by the Regional Universities Network ( RUN ) revealed that member universities contributed $ 2.4 billion to the real GDP of their regional communities .
This contribution was driven by regional universities ’ impact on the labour market ( around 7 out of 10 graduates will go on to work in a regional area ), the earning potential and lifetime earnings of graduates , student and university spending ( students spend approximately $ 690 million in their campus regions and universities spend $ 2.5 billion ) and research leading to innovation and improved productivity . Regional universities are major employers , providing technical , professional and academic work opportunities that attract both Australian and international staff . ( Federation employs more than 1,000 staff across its regional campuses in Ballarat , Gippsland and Horsham .)
The economic benefits will be crucial as communities readjust and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating bushfires .
But why are regional universities in particular so well-placed to contribute to the economic health of their communities , and to weather storms like those we have experienced in 2020 ?
If our experience in recent months has taught us anything , it has been the importance of adapting to change . As a relatively young university , backed up by 150 years of providing critical employment skills to its local communities , Federation University is uniquely placed to adapt and innovate during this time of upheaval .
During the coronavirus pandemic , we had to adapt quickly and effectively to our new reality of online and remote education , made even tougher for students from remote parts of Victoria with limited connectivity . A range of short courses focusing on jobs and skills for the region , introduced as part of the Federal Government ’ s higher education relief package , attracted students from across regional Victoria where unemployment has hit hardest .
Working with governments and employers delivered scholarships for a Master of Business Administration tailored to regional need in Gippsland . It will develop critical leadership and establish a deep and collaborative network for around 70 employers to respond to the evolving needs of their communities . Regional universities can shape their programs and research to provide the world-leading learning and ongoing networks that the communities themselves identify as critical for each region .
Regional universities like Federation University grew up with their communities and are deeply embedded . The pandemic has reinforced this connection , which has seen us over the years through every kind of challenge and disaster . Regional universities operate symbiotically with government , industry , business and the wider community for mutual benefit . This enables the sharing of ideas and expertise to bring about innovative progress and enhanced outcomes in communities , for communities .
I grew up on farms . I have seen throughout my life how critical it is for rural and regional communities that education , research and innovation are grounded in the delivery of the skills needed by local industry , community and local government . Solutions designed for big cities seldom deliver participation and prosperity for all . Regional universities and their communities join with local partners to design industry solutions and to meet real skill needs for the future of jobs in the regions . And this has never been more important .
Technology is driving transformational change to regional industries , which are often at the forefront of advanced manufacturing , the use of big data and artificial intelligence . That is why Federation , for example , is a world leader in mine rehabilitation and data modelling used for everything from weather to crop , livestock and horticultural production .
As regions like the Latrobe Valley desperately need to develop solutions to the devastating economic impact of energy transformation , key stakeholders partner with universities to find solutions . Whether it is advanced research into carbon innovation , the use of hydrogen or renewables , it is the regional universities and education providers that must also skill the workforce for these emerging industries and jobs . Federation ’ s dual-sector capability means we can do this at every skill level . To do this we need to be genuinely integrated with employers . Our students stay in the regions after graduation because they work in and understand the particular needs of local employers . This applies whether it is regional hospitals , clinics , schools , sporting organisations or government . Vitally important for business and engineering is our network of technology parks , which we are now exporting to the cities and internationally .
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