National expert appointed as research director

A national expert in economic development has been appointed to head up the region’s new Economic Development and Enterprise Collaboration (EDEC).

Associate Professor Paul Collits has been appointed research director of the collaboration, which was formed through a partnership between USQ and key stakeholders on the Fraser Coast.

The position is jointly funded by USQ and partners including the Fraser Coast Regional Council, DEEDI, UDIA, the Hervey Bay and Maryborough chambers of commerce, AIEMnet, and Maryborough Sugar.

Associate Professor Collits has 20 years’ experience in regional economic development and is a former senior policy adviser for the New South Wales Government, working predominantly in the Department of State and Regional Development.

His specific research interests include non-metropolitan development, drivers of economic development, young people and regions, the practice of economic development, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

He will draw on his own background and use local knowledge as he sets about supporting business development in the region.

'I bring with me 20 years’ experience in economic development in universities and government,' he said. 'I also bring an understanding of best practice and the latest thinking in economic development, here and overseas.'

The EDEC aims to play a pivotal role in fostering regional economic development, particularly by drawing strategically on the resources of the various agencies involved in the program. Research will play a key role in the economic development process.

Assoc Prof Collits said the involvement of the university brought a strong research and intellectual perspective to the scene, with connections into a network of global expertise.

He said high quality and well-designed research was crucial to ensuring that regional development and investment attraction strategies and actions were rigorous and competitive.

He is keen to speak with local businesspeople and anyone interested in the economic development of the region. He can be contacted at USQ Fraser Coast on +61 7 4194 3180.

Within the University, the research director is positioned within the Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development, headed by Professor John Cole, a former senior state public servant and a leader in business sustainability and development innovation.