This paper explores the connection between the competitive advantage of a region and actual growth experienced.

Summary

The connection between the competitive advantage of a region and actual growth experience is complex. Some regions with a high degree of competitive advantage remain ‘below par’ in terms of economic performance or population growth, while other regions perform well in the sense of growth and development, despite being under-endowed with the competitiveness factors of other regions.

To understand how competitive advantage and growth can become more closely aligned, the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is developing a series of case studies of successful regional cities, starting with Goulburn and Orange in NSW. This project seeks to better understand the differences between competitive advantage and successful regional development outcomes through the use of qualitative research methods.

The project is designed to identify areas for policy intervention in regions to foster potential and enable regions to understand and respond to external factors beyond their control. It will enable regions to consider how they can convert competitive advantage or other factors into growth.