FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman , Chief Executive Officer
I am delighted to present the second edition of the Economic Development Australia ( EDA ) Journal for 2024 . As I write this , the EDA team are finalising preparations for the National Economic Development Conference ( NEDC24 ) to be held in Melbourne , Naarm from October 16-18 . A number of the articles included in this journal edition serve as excellent precursors to the 3-day event , centred on the theme : The Power of Place .
Michael Rodrigues , the NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner makes a strong case that the resurgence of the night-time economy ( NTE ) is fueled by the need for human connection and the desire to share stories of people and place . This article is compulsory reading for anyone seeking to unlock the opportunities relating to the NTE from a leisure based economy , to one that supports a myriad of night workers .
Co-authors Narelle Kennedy and Dr John Howard provide an erudite article inviting readers to consider alternative thinking around place-based innovation policies . The widely accepted attributes of innovation districts as the epicentres of collaboration , creativity and technology leadership are questioned by the authors . A new approach is encouraged to ensure that innovation districts drive economic growth and prosperity without eroding social equity and community cohesion .
Further challenging traditional economic theory and measures , Julia Cretan ’ s article presents a compelling argument that reconceptualising public spaces as infrastructure will be important for achieving prosperity and societal and economic connection .
Hosting more than 31,000 international students each year , Gold Coast is well placed to interpret and report on the impact of recent Australian immigration policy . Dr Ali Bec et al provides a timely update on the current challenges and opportunities facing the international student market .
Keryn South from the City of Swan in WA provides an insightful case study for economic development professionals seeking to engage local businesses to make their city or region a more accessible and inclusive environment for people with disabilities .
Finally , Dr Laura Hodgson presents a summary of her fascinating research into how AirBnB has commodified housing and fundamentally changed conventional notions of housing and home . This is highly useful to many local government areas grappling with how to effectively balance the need for housing and visitor accommodation .
With a readership of close to 4000 , this journal is an ideal vehicle to reach a national industry audience . We are grateful to all these authors for submitting their articles and sharing their specialist knowledge and expertise with the economic development sector . As EDA ’ s reputation as the national peak body for the economic development sector grows , so too does the calibre of research and commentary we receive for publication in the EDA Journal .
We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to seeing you at NEDC24 to delve further into these critical subject areas .
Jacqueline Brinkman GAICD Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Australia
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 17 NO 2 2024 03