Our ‘Boosting Productivity’ conversation was the final in a series of discussions that is focused on our key pillar of ‘accelerating growth’ and unlocking the economic complexity and investment potential of South Australia.

While South Australia is enjoying some broad economic momentum, largely driven by cyclical industries and growth in key sectors, not all South Australians are benefiting.

At the event, Adrian Tembel, Chair of the South Australian Productivity Commission and Chief Executive Partner of our Corporate member Thomson Geer provided a keynote address and was later joined by Kelly- Anne Saffin, CEO, Regional Development Australia – Adelaide, Damien Walker, CEO, Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Professor Ryan Williams, Playford Professor & Director of the Australian Centre for Business Growth, University of South Australia for a panel discussion.

We would like to thank our Corporate member Thomson Geer for hosting and Wine partner Seppeltsfield and non-alcoholic beverage partner POLKA for their support in delivering this event.

Key points raised during the conversation include:

• Increasing the complexity of our economy must continue to be pursued at the highest priority.
• Investment in technology, innovation, R&D and training across the private and public sector is key to driving up productivity and improving efficiencies across the workforce.
• The Australian Institute of Machine Learning positions Adelaide to be a leader in AI and to attract critical skills and talent.
• Opportunity for SA start-ups and SMEs to tap into the Australian Business Growth Fund to assist in deal-flow and scaling up local businesses.
• The University merger provides a generational opportunity to boost SA’s research competitiveness and innovation but must be executed well.
• Being bold, cutting red-tape and speeding up decision making across government and industry is also key.

The Committee for Adelaide will take the key recommendations from these conversations and will soon be releasing a ‘5 Point Plan to Boost Productivity’ intended to spark discussion, influence policy and drive action across industry and government.

Click here for media media coverage from the event.

We would like to thank our Corporate member Thomson Geer for hosting and Wine partner Seppeltsfield and non-alcoholic beverage partner POLKA for their support in delivering this event.