Launch of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Smart Specialisation and Regional Policy

Launch of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Smart Specialisation and Regional Policy

On the 13th of August, the EU Centre was delighted to host the launch of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Smart Specialisation and Regional Policy.

Emma Shortis, Research Officer, EU Centre

On the 13th of August, the EU Centre was delighted to host the launch of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Smart Specialisation and Regional Policy.

Jointly funded by a Jean Monnet Activities grant and RMIT University, the Centre of Excellence provides a focal point for research, teaching and outreach activities with the EU, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. It promotes cooperation between researchers and policy makers working on initiatives to support innovative economic and social development within regions.

Over forty people attended the launch, which included three presentations and discussion about the Centre and its capabilities.

Professor Lars Coenen, Chair of Resilient Communities at The University of Melbourne, began proceedings with a history and explanation of regional policy in the European Union, with a particular focus on the development of the ‘Smart Specialisation’ (S3) process.

Karen Cain, CEO of Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) then discussed the LVA’s approach to regional development in Gippsland, in the aftermath of the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station. Karen dicussed the LVA’s parternship with the EU Centre at RMIT and The University of Melbourne in developing a Smart Specialisation strategy for the Gippsland.

Associate Professor Lauren Rickards, Chair of the Regional Futures Network at RMIT University, a member of the Centre for Urban Research and Centre for People, Organisation and Work, then discussed the region-relevant research happening at RMIT. Lauren’s presentation made it clear that RMIT is indeed the national leader in regional research.

Finally, Professor Bruce Wilson closed proceedings to officially launch the Centre of Excellence and to welcome comments and feedback.

The leaders of the Centre of Excellence are:

Professor Peter Fairbrother, CPOW and School of Management

Associate Professor Lauren Rickards, CUR

Dr Meagan Tyler, CPOW and School of Management

Professor Bruce Wilson, Director, EU Centre

Mr Todd Williams, former director of Regional Development Australia (RDA), Hunter

Partners include:

Australian and New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI)

Regional Australia Institute (RAI)

Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA)

Regional Studies Association (RSA)

Analysis and Policy Observatory (APO)

For more information about the Centre’s activities, please contact Bruce Wilson at bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au

Image: CoE Launch Image (creative commons)

13 August 2018

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13 August 2018

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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