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In The Loop - The Newsletter of the Australian Business Foundation

April 2010

Vol. 29

/content_images/253/gr_clint.jpgWith China in the news in recent weeks, it is clear that there are still many complexities and uncertainties for Australian businesses operating in China. Amongst the commentary from media, diplomats and even politicians, anything that can provide a reality check for doing business on the ground in China is essential at this time.

Such a reality check is provided by the study undertaken by the Australian Business Foundation last year Engaging China: the realities for Australian businesses.

Led by international relations specialist, Dr Keith Suter, with analysis by senior journalist Catherine Armitage and with 25 diverse case studies by Australian Business International Trade Services, this study documents the real experiences of doing business in China, beyond the hype and the sensationalism.

The study is not a primer on how business ought to be done in China. Rather, it aims to provide fresh insights into the critical issues and approaches that are proving successful for Australian enterprises. It allows us to learn from the experiences of others in China.

To read the study http://www.abfoundation.com.au/research_knowledge/research/195 or to find out more info@abfoundation.com.au

Clint McGilvray
Manager External Relations
Australian Business Foundation

 

WHAT’S NEW IN RESEARCH?

The Australian Business Foundation has kicked off the year with a pipeline of new research projects on
  • Regional economic development
  • Innovative responses to the ‘green economy'
  • Understanding how business model innovation works.

Additional research projects are being developed by the Foundation’s Research Advisory Committee chaired by Professor Mary O’Kane, and include studies on Australia's Future Cities, Trade and Export Performance and Small Firm Growth. As always, the Foundation is committed to delving deeper and looking at the key issues affecting and shaping Australian businesses in the future.

We invite you to share your ideas about future research projects and directions at info@abfoundation.com.au. Here are more details of the Foundation’s new research projects.

BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION

As the Foundation continues its endeavours to explore the often ignored innovation at the level of the workplace and the firm, we are undertaking a project led by Don Scott-Kemmis from the Australian Centre for Innovation, University of Sydney.

This study aims examines the characteristics of business model innovation illustrated by Australian business case studies.The Foundation is currently looking to identify Australian firms who exhibit characteristics of business model innovation. If you have a story to tell on innovation to your way of doing business, or if you are aware of others who could be good case studies, please get in touch with the Foundation’s Research Manager, Phillip Allen Phillip.allen@abfoundation.com.au or (02) 9350 8132.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Foundation has joined forces with Monash University to undertake a research study examining new patterns of local and regional economic development. The project which is being led by Professor John Tomaney of the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, will assess the lessons for Australia from the latest international thinking on models of local and regional development. Stay tuned for information on an international seminar being held in Melbourne in June which will bring together key invited academic, policy and practitioner experts.

GREEN CHRYSALIS: INNOVATION TOWARDS AUSTRALIA’S NEW ECONOMY

The  Foundation has commissioned a study by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures led by Professor Stuart White investigating the processes driving innovative business activity in response to the new operating conditions and opportunities from the ‘green economy’, particularly the rising importance of business sustainability and a low carbon economy.

For more information on this study or others in the Foundation’s pipeline,  please contact the Foundation’s Research Manager, Phillip Allen Phillip.allen@abfoundation.com.au or (02) 9350 8132.

CALLS FOR COMMENT

The Foundation has been invited to comment and contribute insights to two forums exploring issues about Sydney's growth, quality of life and infrastructure. The Foundation, in turn, opens up these opportunities to our members and stakeholders to have your say on the future strategies for Sydney by visiting the following websites:
  • SYDNEY METRPOLITAN STATERGY REVIEW  This is the blueprint for Sydney’s future direction in light of growth and development over the coming decades. To comment, go to www.metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au. 
  • FUTURE OF WESRTERN SYDNEY  An online forum specifically designed for Western Sydney on issues like transport, housing, urban renewal, learning, sport, recreation and the environment in the lead up to 2030 www.westernsydney2030.com.au.

REDESIGNING BUSINESS VALUE: A ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION

In February 2010, the Foundation hosted an event onSustainability: Driving New Business Opportunities, where we heard leading sustainability expert Nick Palousis explain how sustainability can drive new business models and create new value for organisations. Nick has been involved in a report prepared by Deloitte and the World Economic Forum titled Redesigning Business Value: A Roadmap for Sustainable Consumption which has brought a cross-disciplinary group of companies together with the aim of developing practical ideas and new forms of collaboration to place sustainability at the heart of business models. This report focuses on the concept of sustainable consumption and how it provides a new competitive opportunity for businesses.

To read the report: http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/DrivingSustainableConsumption/index.htm 

OUR SPONSORS

The Australian Business Foundation is principally sponsored by its founder, the NSW Business Chamber, and supported by corporate members Deloitte Australia; IBM Australia; Standards Australia; Telstra; the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research; the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; NSW Industry and Investment and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (Victoria).

THE LAST WORD....

If you or your organisation is working on a product, service, research project or event that furthers new thinking on Australia's business competitiveness, innovative capacity and opportunities from a knowledge-based economy, please contact us and we will spread the word! If you have comments, questions, suggestions, please contact us:

Australian Business Foundation
Locked Bag 938
North Sydney NSW 2060
Ph: (02) 9458 7016
Fax: (02) 9929 0193
clint.mcgilvray@abfoundation.com.au
www.abfoundation.com.au