Research

1. Trade and Productivity Study
   
   A study led by Professor Christopher Findlay and colleagues of the University of Adelaide. This study explores the participation of Australian firms in international trade and innovation behaviour and their links with business productivity.
2. Australia's Future Cities
   
   This study will explore the contribution of cities to economic growth, quality of life and prosperity in 21st Century Australia.
3. Business Model Innovation
   
   A study by Don Scott-Kemmis at Australian Centre for Innovation, University of Sydney examining the characteristics of business model innovation illustrated by Australian business case studies.
4. Green Chrysalis: Innovation Towards Australia’s New Economy
   

   Research on the processes driving innovative business activity in response to the new operating conditions and opportunities of the ‘green economy’. This study is being undertaken by the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures and led by Professor Stuart White.

5. 
   Strategic Serendipity
   Sep 2011

   What drives successful industry clustering in Australia, and specifically the northern Sydney region? 

   This project undertaken by Macquarie Graduate School of Management, University of Technology Sydney and Bugseye in collaboration with The Department of State and Regional Development (now part of Industry & Investment NSW) and the Australian Business Foundation.

   The results are intended to contribute to Australian government planning and policy by providing an account of the attractors for businesses to a region, and of the opportunities for growth and the sustainable development of regions through clustering activities.

6. 
   The BERD in the hand: supporting Business Investment in Research and Development
   May 2011 | Dr Nicholas Gruen, Lateral Economics
   The Australian Business Foundation is pleased to present an insightful study of the new proposed legislation for Research and Development tax concessions by Dr Nicholas Gruen, CEO of Lateral Economics.
7. 
   Place-based approaches to regional development:global trends and Australian implications
   Oct 2010 | Professor John Tomaney, Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Devlopment, University of Newcastle, UK, & Professor of Regional Studies, Monash University, Australia

   A study assessing the lessons for Australia of the latest international thinking on models of local and regional development, including an international seminar with key invited academic, policy and practitioner experts. A project by Monash University led by Professor John Tomaney of Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

8. 
   Productivity, Creative Destruction and Innovation Policy
   Feb 2010 | Professor John Foster, Professor of Economics, University of Queensland

   
   The Australian Business Foundation is pleased to provoke debate with the latest contribution to its series of Occasional Papers – Productivity, Creative Destruction and Innovation Policy by John Foster, Professor of Economics at the University of Queensland and President-elect of the International J.A. Schumpeter Society.

9. 
   Engaging China: The realities for Australian businesses
   Aug 2009 | Dr Keith Suter, Broadcaster & Social Commentator; Catherine Armitage; Australian Business International Trade Services

   
   The Australian Business Foundation undertook a study examining the current realities for Australian firms doing business with China. This study was led by international relations specialist, Dr Keith Suter with an expert team of senior journalist, Catherine Armitage and China specialists, Sara Cheng and Rab Memari of Australian Business International Trade Services.

   It involved an analysis of the background to Australia-China business relationships and a series of 26 business case studies based on interviews with senior executives of Australian enterprises which have a substantiative history of doing business with China.

10. 
    The Future Revisted: A review of Alternative Futures: Scenarios for Business in Australia to the year 2015
    Jul 2009 | Ms Susan Oliver, Executive Director, wwITe Pty Ltd; Narelle Kennedy, Chief Executive, Australian Business Foundation

    The future came quickly… that’s a key conclusion from the soundings taken today of the Australian Business Foundation’s project on alternative futures scenarios which was undertaken originally in 1999.

    Topics:
    • Future
11. 
    Global Connections: a study of multinational companies in Sydney
    Feb 2009 | Professor Michael Enright, Director, Enright, Scott & Associates and Professor of Business Administration, University of Hong Kong

    Understanding how Sydney features in the strategies, organisation and location decisions of multinational corporations is critical for governments, MNCs and resident firms alike.  

    Conducted by Enright Scott & Associates principal Michael Enright, this research has been informed by surveying a large number of MNCs operating in the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on identifying which activities are currently conducted in Australia, and what the opportunities and impediments are to attracting more high value, knowledge related activities.

12. 
    Inside the Innovation Matrix - Finding the hidden human dimensions
    Oct 2008 | Australian Business Foundation

    The latest research project from the Australian Business Foundation delves into the human kaleidoscope of innovation. Going well beyond old-school, linear stories about a brilliant inventor or creative entrepreneur, this project seeks to understand the transformative power of innovation by exposing the hidden intricacies of individuals, their networks and their interactions – the human dimensions of innovation.

    This book is not about innovation for its own sake. It is about how to drive innovation-led prosperity, to enable Australia to continue to be a great place to live, work and play.

    Topics:
    • Knowledge Transfer,
    • Innovation,
    • Collaboration,
    • Business Innovation,
    • Innovation
13. 
    Born To Be Global: A closer look at the international venturing of Australian born global firms
    Sun Dec 16 2007 | Professor Peter Liesch, Professor of International Business and Leader of the Enterprise and International Business Cluster, University of Queensland Business School; Dr Matthew Steen, Senior Policy Adviser , Leader of the Opposition, Hon Tony Abbott MP; Dr Stuart Middleton, University of Queensland Business School; Dr Jay Weerawardena, University of Queensland Business School

    This report focused on charting the experiences of 18 'born global' firms which ventured overseas shortly after their birth.  In examining their successes and setbacks, the researchers were able to identify some key factors relevant to identifying and satisfying new global opportunities more adeptly, including agility, persistency and the ability to manage a range of business functions and risks simultaneously.

    In analysing the business case studies, certain patterns were discerned about the character and further development of born global firms. While these insights do not constitute a template for business success, they do provide an important set of lessons for enterprises that are export ready or seeking other ways to extend their international reach.

    Topics:
    • Globalisation,
    • Australia,
    • Global market,
    • Global economy,
    • Innovation
14. The Contribution of Services and Other Sectors to Australian Productivity Growth 1980-2004
    Nov 2007 | Professor Alan Hughes, Director, Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge, UK; Mr Vadim Grinevich, Junior Research Fellow, Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge, UK

    This extensive study of 49 sectors in the Australian economy identified two growth periods - a low growth period from 1980 to 1992, then a high growth period from 1992 to 2004.  The acceleration in labour productivity growth in the high growth period can be attributed to the performance of just three service sectors - financial intermediation, wholesale trade and a miscellaneous group encompassing transport, machinery and equipment hire, hotels and catering, R&D, legal, technical and advertising. 

    The productivity dividends came from business transformation  such as enhancing the use of enabling technologies, building management capabilities and capitalising on regulatory reforms, rather than as a result of greater capital investment replacing labour.  These findings, and the constraints to future growth identified by the authors, open the way for consideration of actions to initiate the next generation of productivity surges from Australia.

    Topics:
    • Productivity,
    • Innovation
15. 
    The Reality of Innovation Unzipped
    Nov 2006 | Deloitte; Australian Business Foundation

    This joint venture project between Australian Business Foundation and Deloitte aimed to test the appetite for innovation in middle market firms through a series of focus groups with more than 50 businesses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 

    The key findings of this collaborative project demonstrate that these businesses have a strong appreciation that they need to continually innovate to survive, and to compete on knowledge and innovation through business transformation, rather than on cost.    

    Topics:
    • Innovation,
    • Collaboration,
    • Business transformation
16. 
    Australian Innovation in Manufacturing: Results from an international survey
    Aug 2006 | Professor Mark Dodgson, Director, Technology and Innovation Management Centre, University of Queensland; Dr Peter Innes, University of Queensland
    Professor Mark Dodgson and Dr Peter Innes of the University of Queensland Business School conducted an international comparison survey to guage the nature of innovation in small and medium sized manufacturing firms.  This paper presents the Australian experience compared to the European findings.  Although the survey found that some Australian firms adopted innovation practices for process improvement and cost reduction, overall there was a less strategic approach to innovation for longer term competitive advantage demonstrated by the Australian firms than by their European counterparts.   Australian manufacturing firms risk being unable to compete with international competitors who have transformed their businesses to take advantage of market opportunities.
    Topics:
    • Manufacturing,
    • Innovation
17. 
    Innovation and the Knowledge Economy in Australia
    May 2006 | Professor Keith Smith, Chair in Innovation, School of Management, University of Tasmania

    In 2004 Professor Keith Smith researched and reported on how the knowledge economy was creating value in Australian industry, and how companies were innovating to gain a competitive advantage.  His paper The Knowledge Economy in the Australian Context then paved the way for his follow up report in 2005 Promoting Innovation in Australia: Business and Policy Issues in which he looked at the opportunities and challenges facing businesses and governments in fostering innovation to generate business value.

    Topics:
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Public Policy Imperatives,
    • Innovation
18. 
    National Innovation Systems: Finland, Sweden & Australia Compared
    Nov 2005 | Professor Göran Roos, Chairman, VTT International; Intellectual Capital Services Ltd
    Nations need national innovation systems to foster an infrastructure of linkages or networks among firms, universties and governments to gain competitive advantage.  By understanding the strides taken in Finland and Sweden, two showcases for development of national innovation systems, Australian firms and governments can identify what lessons might be applied in improving Australia's national innovation system.   
    Topics:
    • Innovation,
    • Collaboration,
    • Clustering,
    • Public Policy Imperatives,
    • National Innovation Systems
19. 
    Success Factors in Australian Industries: Levers for Fostering & Sustaining Growth Industries
    Nov 2005 | Australian Stock Exchange Ltd; Colin Ramsay, The Australian Stock Exchange; Robert Bladier, The Australian Stock Exchange

    In 2005, the Australian Business Foundation and Australian Stock Exchange Limited teamed up to revisit earlier research into three critical industries - wine, mining and listed property trusts.  These industries were selected because each had transformed from being modestly successful and domestically based, to being world class, globally competitive and export based. 

    The aim of this study, conducted by Robert Bladier and Colin Ramsay, was to develop a synthesis of the earlier learnings to formulate some necessary ingredients that must be present or steps that must be taken for successful industry development. Understanding these critical levers that can transform an industry enables investors and investment markets to properly assess the characteristics of the industry which will attract capital investment. 

    Topics:
    • Globalisation,
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Globalisation,
    • Innovation,
    • Public Policy Imperatives,
    • Industry Development
20. 
    Commercialising Australian Biotechnology
    May 2004 | Professor Michael Vitale, Australian Graduate School of Management

    Australian Business Foundation commissioned this research to uncover some of the reasons why there were so few success stories in commercialising biotechnology research despite the depth of research in the field and the government policies in place to encourage the development of a viable and globally competitive industry sector. 

    Topics:
    • Public Policy Imperatives,
    • Industry Development,
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Biotechnology,
    • Commercialisation
21. 
    Sustainable Business Development: Reaching Beyond The Rhetoric To Superior Performance
    Mar 2004 | Suzy Goldsmith, Foundation for Sustainable Economic Development in the Department of Management, University of Melbourne; Professor Danny Samson, Foundation for Sustainable Economic Development in the Department of Management, University of Melbourne
    The connection between sustainable development and business success depends on the depth and quality of the sustainable development practices, and their fit with the company's distinctive business strategy and culture. In particular, sustainable development practices are most likely to boost long term performance when they serve to stimulate innovation and foster a competitive business advantage.
    Topics:
    • Sustainability,
    • Innovation,
    • Business Strategy
22. 
    Knowledge Economy Opportunities for Australian Firms in the Asia Pacific Region
    Feb 2004 | Dr Lyndal Thorburn, Viria Pty Ltd; Dr John Langdale, Macquarie University

    This briefing paper was produced for the Australian Business Foundation to stimulate debate and to explore options for engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.  Through a series of industry case studies, this paper demonstrates that there are untapped opportunities for Australian business in high growth knowledge intensive industries in the Asia Pacific region.  Although traditional commodity industries have contributed significantly to exports, the future lies in competing on superior knowledge and skills.  Within these industries there are hidden strengths that could be capitalised on, ie, adding valuable services to traditional products to provide customised solutions and adopting more sophisticated sales and marketing techniques.

    With a few exceptions, SMEs are lagging behind their competitors in adopting knowledge management approaches to capture their share of the export dollar in this rapidly growing regional economy.  These businesses would be better served by government policy which supports the potential for Australian businesses to tap into global production chains through better knowledge management processes and capabilities, rather than focusing on information and communications technology hardware and infrastructure. 

    Topics:
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Globalisation,
    • Knowledge Management
23. 
    Knowledge Management in the New Business Environment
    Jul 2003 | Dr Richard Hall, Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research & Training (ACIRRT) of the University of Sydney

    Managing knowledge is a key tool of trade for every business no matter how small or large.  But how do organisations use knowledge to gain a competitive advantage, and how canknowledge be managed anyway?  Through case studies, this report identified a number of ways that successful organisations are managing knowledge, not merely through the use of IT systems, but through building stronger relationships and knowledge flows among key staff and between ket staff and suppliers, customers and other clients. 

    Effective knowledge management is predicated on a workplace culture that fosters knowledge sharing and problem solving, a high degree of trust and mutual support and a commitment to individual and organisational learning.

    Topics:
    • Knowledge Management,
    • Capability building,
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Innovation
24. 
    Regional Infrastructure: New Economic Development Opportunities for the Hunter, Illawarra and Western Sydney Regions
    May 2003 | National Economics; Austin Thompson & Associates; SGS; INSTATE
    How can some of Australia's oldest regional hubs be rejuvenated for improved economic performance?  This was the central question put to a series of decision makers at regional workshops in 2001.  A number of key insights were established which could help revive these regions to capture their share of growth in the increasingly globalised business environment including increasing investment in 'knowledge' infrastructure, like technology parks, industry clusters and education/business linkages that turn regions into hubs of high performance industries and focusing greater attention on infrastructure that connects people and places in and between regions, particularly transport and telecommunications, because of their role in stronger business and economic performance.

    The report also recommended better and more imaginative alignment of State and regional responsibilities for infrastructure planning and use and actions to build more effective partnerships between the public and private sectors for managing and financing infrastructure.

    Topics:
    • Regional,
    • Infrastructure,
    • Clustering
25. 
    E-Commerce and its Impacts for Rural Business
    Nov 2002 | Mr Richard Stayner, Institute for Rural Futures, University of New England; Judith McNeill, University of New England
    This study was commissioned by the Australian Business Foundation to examine the opportunities and the threats posed by e-commerce to business capability in rural and regional Australia. The study provides a snapshot into rural Australia to determine the reality of the implications of electronic commerce for rural non-farm businesses.
    Topics:
    • Ecommerce,
    • Rural Issues,
    • Innovation
26. 
    Selling Solutions: Emerging Patterns of Product-Service Linkage in the Australian Economy
    Feb 2002 | Australian Expert Group of Industry Studies, University of Western Sydney
    This study was undertaken by the Australian Expert Group in Industry Studies (AEGIS) under the leadership of Professor Jane Marceau. It was funded by the Australian Research Council through a SPIRT grant and the Australian Business Foundation was the industry partner sponsoring the project.  The study confirmed that successful manufacturers were responding to increased competition in global markets by bundling together products and services into new innovative business offerings focused on solving customers' needs.  In the process, manufacturers and service providers were also generating new mixes of technical, managerial and collaboration skills and capabilities to sustain this competitive edge. 
    Topics:
    • Manufacturing,
    • Collaboration
27. 
    Friend or Foe? Leveraging Foreign Multinationals in the Australian Economy
    Jan 2002 | Dr Lyndal Thorburn, Viria Pty Ltd; Dr John Langdale, Macquarie University; John Howkins

    To what degree do multinationals influence, either positively or negatively, the growth, capacity and skills of Australian firms?  This study found that multinationals are more friend than foe but that the relationship is fragile and firms and policy makers need to be smarter about engaging with them to maximise the benefits of access to global knowledge, skills and markets. 

    By being demanding customers, multinationals contribute to better quality products and services which are more sought after in global markets.  If firms and policy makers can encourage multinationals to set down deeper roots in research, innovation and product development here, Australian firms can continue to capitalise on skills and knowledge transfer for their own gain, and this investment will act as a magnet for further investment to encourage more sustainable relationships with multinational firms.

    Topics:
    • International Best Practice,
    • Globalisation,
    • Capability building
28. 
    Australia's Wine Industry: Collaboration & Learning as Causes of Competitive Success
    May 2000 | Professor Ian Marsh, ANZSOG Chair of Public Management, University of Sydney; Brendan Shaw, AGSM, University of New South Wales

    No one can deny the global competitive success of the Australian wine industry, going from net importer to renowned exporter of high quality wines in just over a decade.   But what are the ingredients of this success?  Paradoxically, the ability to build premium global brands from formerly domestic commodity products has been the result of extensive collaboration among competitors in the industry. 

    Through deliberate strategic planning, the industry shifted orientation towards global markets, evidenced by a large number of firms participating in export markets.  By harnessing knowledge within the industry, firms can embrace technical innovations in production, enabling them to respond quickly to changing tastes and demands from the diverse global market.  While strategic collaboration has provided the framework for success, ongoing engagement as an industry of diverse competitors is required to sustain a competitive advantage.   

    Topics:
    • Competition,
    • Collaboration,
    • Rural Issues,
    • Regional
29. 
    Innovation Checkpoint 1999: Innovation in Australian Businesses
    Dec 1999 | Professor Jane Marceau; Dr Karen Manley, Australian Expert Group on Industry Studies, University of Western Sydney

    This report was commissioned by the Australian Business Foundation to check on Australia's innovation performance, particularly since the publication of the Foundation’s inaugural report The High Road or the Low Road? Alternatives for Australia’s Future in 1997.

    Topics:
    • Globalisation,
    • Knowledge Economy,
    • Innovation
30. 
    Encouraging Knowledge-Intensive Industries: What Australia Can Draw From The Industrial Upgrading Experiences of Taiwan and Singapore
    Aug 1999 | Professor John Mathews, Macquarie Graduate School of Management

    This report describes and analyzes the industrial and technological upgrading practices of firms and public institutions in Singapore and Taiwan. These two nations are of particular interest because they have weathered the recent Asian financial crisis well. Their institutional strategies are robust and have important lessons for other countries, including Australia.