The scale of AUKUS requirements goes beyond infrastructure investment. It calls for industry-wide transformation to meet stringent defence standards. Cockburn’ s role has been to act as a bridge in this process by:
• Facilitating workshops to prepare SMEs for defence accreditation such as ISO, DISP, cyber security standards.
• Building a“ cradle to grave” education and workforce pipeline, from school-based STEM engagement to apprenticeships, higher education pathways, and advanced training programs. This approach creates generational employment opportunities and strengthens employment selfsufficiency for Cockburn, ensuring that more residents live and work locally while businesses gain access to a skilled workforce.
• Driving cluster development so that shipbuilders, engineers, digital specialists, and suppliers work as a coordinated ecosystem rather than as isolated firms.
• Advocating for and enabling the expansion of the defence supply chain, positioning Cockburn not only as a key contributor to domestic programs but also as a base for export opportunities that benefit local business growth, attract investment, and expand full-time employment.
Equally important is Cockburn’ s leadership in the blue economy which is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental health. With direct access to Cockburn Sound, a sheltered natural harbour that is home to major naval infrastructure, shipping facilities, and diverse marine ecosystems, the City has made the blue economy a strategic priority. This includes:
• Partnering with leading universities and dedicated organisations like The University of Western Australia Ocean’ s Institute and For Blue on ocean technology innovation, offshore renewable energy and marine research.
• Working with industry leaders in aquaculture, energy transition and environmental monitoring to ensure innovation supports both economic and ecological outcomes.
• Exploring applications of AI and machine learning for marine data analytics, subsea robotics and sustainability, positioning Cockburn as a testbed for ocean-focused technologies.
This convergence of defence, advanced manufacturing, and ocean sustainability reflects what Wolfe & Bramwell( 2016) describe as the social dynamics of economic performance. Innovation happens at the intersection of industries, where defence technologies can serve civilian applications and vice versa. By fostering these intersections, Cockburn is not only preparing for its workforce and industries for the demands of AUKUS but also creating a platform for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and longterm prosperity for its residents.
THE HENDERSON RESEARCH & INNOVATION HUB: MORE THAN A SPACE The Henderson Research and Innovation Hub( HRIH) demonstrates how placebased innovation can be activated at the local level. Rather than importing generic models, the HRIH has been designed to respond to Cockburn’ s unique industrial context and the specific needs of businesses operating in the defence and blue economy sectors.
At its core, the HRIH is industry-led, with collaboration and partnership as the driving forces. Its mission is to bring the right people together to drive research and innovation across two critical streams: defence and the blue economy. Currently being established, the HRIH represents a 30,000 sqm investment in collaboration, designed to house over 40 organisations. By aligning with the strengths already concentrated in the Henderson Defence Precinct and the AMC, the HRIH reflects Cockburn’ s belief that innovation must be grounded in place.
The City of Cockburn has partnered with academia, including The University of Western Australia’ s Oceans Institute and Curtin University National Resilience and Security Program Office, while also working closely with industry players such as Henderson Alliance and Babcock. This ensures that the Hub reflects realworld industry needs rather than abstract research agendas. It will operate as an incubator for start-ups and scale-ups, supported by a broader ecosystem that includes the Office of Industry Support( ODIS), equity investor networks, and Registered Training Organisations( RTOs) providing business advisory services, training and funding support.
The HRIH will focus on several technology categories: advanced and autonomous systems, subsea robotics, data and emerging technologies, test and evaluation, and climate resilience. This list is not exhaustive, but it represents a starting point that will evolve with industry priorities. What makes the Hub unique is that much of the innovation is expected to occur at the intersection of defence and blue economy, where capabilities in shipbuilding, subsea robotics and sustainability converge.
The HRIH’ s vision is anchored in four key focus areas:
1. Strengthening shipbuilding and defence capabilities by leveraging the knowledge and expertise that already exists within the Henderson defence precinct, particularly in shipbuilding, autonomous systems, and test and evaluation, to ensure local industry is prepared for opportunities in the decade ahead.
2. Supporting the blue economy by encouraging innovation in sustainable marine industries, offshore renewable energy, and climate change mitigation technologies.
3. Equipping businesses for sovereign manufacturing by helping them scale up, meet accreditation standards, and adapt to the demands of a changing national landscape.
4. Workforce development, with an emphasis on building training programs, career pathways, and initiatives to attract new talent into defence industries. These efforts highlight that careers extend well beyond the military service to include engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology, and other high-value sectors.
Through these key focus areas, the HRIH aims to create a future-ready ecosystem that supports innovation, capability and growth. It is not simply a facility, but a catalyst for Cockburn’ s quiet revolution, turning industrial legacy into an innovation powerhouse.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 18 NO 3 2025 15