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Industrial Capabilities in Victoria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

Anne Leahy ,
Joanne Loundes ,
Elizabeth Webster  and
Jongsay Yong
Anne Leahy
Affiliation:
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
Joanne Loundes
Affiliation:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Elizabeth Webster
Affiliation:
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research Centre for Microeconometrics, The University of Melbourne
Jongsay Yong
Affiliation:
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research Centre for Microeconometrics, The University of Melbourne
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Abstract

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This paper presents the key findings from a small qualitative survey of the main factors associated with the creation and usage of five industrial capabilities in leading Victorian sectors. The capabilities included advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), design, information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology and environment technologies. Eighty-eight companies and organisations were interviewed for the study. It was found that the main requirements for the successful creation of a capability was the ability of the company to recruit and retain the best graduates from universities and technical schools, the ability to offer training to these graduates and the ability to financially support high and consistent levels of R&D over time. The main requirement for the successful use of a capability was effective company networking, work cultures conducive to excellence, supportive government regulations and the provision of complementary specialised training.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Economic and Labour Relations Review , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , June 2004 , pp. 74 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2004

Footnotes

*

We thank Rosy Qin, Lara Hammond, and Kerry Ware who undertook to call many companies to arrange for appointments and the many companies executives who made their time available. We also thank officials at the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, especially Tim Sullivan and Megan Vassarotti, for their help in organising the interviews with companies. Finally, thanks are due to Garry Ferris, Lynne Williams, Stein Helgeby, David Hanna, David Adams, Fran Thorn, and Aaron Johnstone helpful suggestions. Views contained in this working paper are solely those of the authors and all responsibility for the content however rests with the authors.

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