Regional Development Victoria
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RDA Melbourne Projects

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Melbourne helps drive economic development across Victoria. We collaborate with the Victorian RDA Committees, government and the private sector.

We support regional efforts from our unique position as a capital city RDA.  Below are some of the committee’s recent projects.

Bendigo Artificial Intelligence (AI) forum

We partnered with RDA Loddon Mallee to show how AI can improve business. We looked at challenges, risks, benefits and gains.

Over 130 people attended the event to better understand AI and its capabilities.

Our policy paper explores insights from the event and considers opportunities and next steps.

View transcript

Audio: Music playing.

Visions:

  1. LA Trobe sign.
  2. Text: Artificial Intelligence Leveraging AI to Grow Business. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Business. Friday 15 November 2024. Circular Lecture Theatre La Trobe University Bendigo.
  3. View of people mingling.
  4. View of people in the lecture theatre listening to the speaker and applauding.
  5. View of speaker talking with member of the Forum.
  6. View of people in the lecture theatre listening to the speaker.
  7. View of lecturer addressing the Forum.
  8. View of speakers on stage.
  9. View of audience member taking photograph.
  10. View of speakers on stage.
  11. View of people applauding speakers.
  12. View of people mingling outside lecture theatre and talking to speakers.
  13. View of people mingling outside lecture theatre.

Text: Victoria State Government. Authorised by Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

For case studies from the forum, including case studies, keynotes and panel discussions, see the event playlist on You Tube.

Download the Artificial Intelligence Forum Policy Paper:

Addressing regional workforce and skills shortages through hybrid work

We asked Swinburne to explore 'anywhere working' to help fix regional worker shortages. The study found flexibility in work location and hours can increase business productivity. It can also help unlock a diverse talent pool.

The study emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work. Some organisations favour remote-first models. Others need in-office attendance.

Recommendations include:

  • promote a flexible work culture
  • support regional employers to adopt flexible practices
  • uplift digital skills.

Download the Hybrid Work Opportunities in Regional Victoria – Final Report (PDF 5859.79 KB) PDF icon.

Note: this report may not meet accessibility requirements. If you require the content in an alternative format, please contact RDA Melbourne.

Melbourne’s North Advanced Manufacturing Group (MNAMG)

We partnered with MNAMG to explore partnership opportunities for manufacturers. Collaborating with other businesses, educational institutions and government could unlock untapped benefits, including:

  • new product opportunities
  • strengthened local supply chain capabilities
  • enhanced business systems
  • training and technology development
  • establishing sustainable local and export markets.

Gippsland Peri-Urban REDS Addendum

Areas where the city meets the regions have unique growth challenges and opportunities. We partnered with RDA Gippsland to study the zone from Dandenong to the Latrobe Valley.

The Gippsland Peri-Urban Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) includes:

  • population profiles
  • workforce skills, industry and employment overview
  • culture, tourism and the environment overview
  • movement and connections overview
  • policy gaps
  • future work and recommendations.

Downloads:

Note: this report may not meet accessibility requirements. If you require the content in an alternative format, please contact RDA Melbourne.

Advanced Manufacturing

We showcased advanced manufacturing capabilities for Victoria's regional RDAs. The event highlighted Industry 4.0 benefits for small-to-medium enterprises. Presenters included Swinburne University and Gangi Germicidal Systems.

Melbourne Metropolitan Economy and Employment Analysis

We asked SGS Economics and Planning to study metropolitan Melbourne's economic growth potential. The report considers strengths and areas of improvement, key existing and emerging sectors. A Hausmann analysis explores manufacturing and export opportunities.

Download the RDA Melbourne Research Report (PDF 3267.17 KB) PDF icon.

Note: this report may not meet accessibility requirements. If you require the content in an alternative format, please contact RDA Melbourne.