Innovation State – Setting the Stage

In South Australia, innovating effectively and strategically is crucial - the state's economy has slowed significantly over the last six months due to weak consumer spending, household affordability issues, inflation and more. So the government is making strategic investments and partnerships to stimulate innovation and attract business across the state, aiming to drive economic growth and position itself as a hub for cutting-edge industries.  

The state is focused on driving efficiency, customer satisfaction and building public trust and confidence in government.  South Australia is now a place where inclusivity meets innovation, ensuring that digital services are accessible to every consumer, using co-design and creating experiences that are intuitive and user focused: For example, Infrastructure SA is currently developing the next 20 Year State Infrastructure Strategy, which will drive the vision of a sustainable, inclusive economy, among many other long term plans such as Our Housing Future 2020-2030 and the Small Business Strategy 2023-2030 all with the common thread of inclusivity, innovation and accessibility.  

Now let’s dive into the partnerships and approaches propelling South Australia forward to exist as a leader in innovation and sustainability. 

Enticing New Business & Talent

What better way to boost local economy, attract national and international talent and bring innovative business ideas to South Australia than to offer incentives. 

When it comes to “going green” the South Australian government isn’t messing around. It’s offering financial incentives and grants to attract businesses in renewable energy and related technology to help the state reach its new target of 100% renewables by 2027. For example, a number of grants have been given for renewable hydrogen projects and these incentives are not only helping to diversify the economy, but they’re creating many new job opportunities. And initiatives such as the Renewable Technology Fund support clean energy projects, which, since 2017 have been successful in reinforcing South Australia’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation. 

To provide even more business opportunities involving new innovative technologies, Lot Fourteen, a main hub designed to foster innovation and collaboration, provides affordable, short-term office facilities and relationship-building opportunities for companies relocating to South Australia with free or subsidized rent for the first year and packages of up to $40,000 for access to professional support and advice. Global entrepreneurs can apply for up to $80,000 over 12 months to help cover business accommodation and professional services costs. 

Then there are programs like the Research, Commercialisation, and Startup Fund (RCSF) which provides grants for joint projects that turn research into market-ready tech. This support fuels innovation, giving local businesses access to the latest tools and know-how to stay competitive. 

Infrastructure Gets a Facelift 

South Australia's IT infrastructure has advanced to provide a secure, flexible, and connected approach to delivering services. 

Infrastructure SA is developing a comprehensive strategy to address statewide infrastructure needs up to 2045. This plan focuses on investments that drive economic growth and align with the state's vision of a smart, sustainable, and inclusive economy. 

In a nation-leading first, South Australia has introduced a 10-year roadmap aimed at transforming the state's economic complexity by accelerating the impact of its 22 innovation hubs. This framework is expected to create over 42,000 jobs, attract investment, and enhance regional connectivity by linking education, skills, and workforce programs across the state. 

NEXTDC has launched its first Tier IV data centre in Adelaide, which proves a significant advancement for South Australia's digital economy. This state-of-the-art facility provides critical infrastructure to support the growth of digital services and innovation within the region. 

R&D Collabs for Cutting-Edge Tech 

AI, space technology, renewable energy, and biotech are rapidly expanding industries and will need to pool resources between research institutions, private enterprises, and government bodies for research, talent development, and technology development. Partnerships in these fields create competitive advantages and enhance South Australia’s position as a hub for innovation. 

AI 

Advancing AI maturity is critical for the SA Government, where the technology can be leveraged to enhance public administration, leading to more predictive and responsive governance. That said, an exciting and major partnership has been formed between the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science, and the University of Adelaide. The university and the department are each investing an additional $6 million into AI research and development at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML). This funding aims to expand AIML's core work, making it more globally competitive and further integrating AI into local industries, thereby boosting the economy. 

Space 

South Australia has directed a significant amount of attention on using space tech across different fields, sparking innovation, and boosting the economy through teamwork between industry and government.  

For example, in partnership with local companies Inovor Technologies and Myriota, the South Australian Government is leading the Kanyini mission, aiming to launch the state's first satellite. This project focuses on Earth observation and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, providing valuable data for environmental monitoring and agricultural management, thereby supporting local industries. 

Renewable Energy 

This sector is of the utmost importance to governments across the globe in the battle against global warming and the insurmountable harm it is causing our planet and South Australia has shown through dedicated partnerships that this state is committed to renewable energy contributions to make a change. 

This government has committed to constructing a world-leading hydrogen power station, including 250 MW of electrolysers, 200 MW of power generation, and associated hydrogen storage facilities within the Whyalla City Council by early 2026. This initiative aims to lower electricity prices, create thousands of new jobs, and unlock a $20 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects. 

Biotech 

With increasing demand for healthcare innovation globally, as well as offering high-value jobs that attract investment, South Australia is building its capabilities in biotech, further evolving the state in its sustainability efforts and its place higher in the global ranks for innovation know-how. 

In collaboration with the South Australian Government, Flinders University has opened a $280 million Health and Medical Research Building at Bedford Park. This 10-storey facility fosters collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry to advance medical science and turn research into real health benefits, boosting the biomedical sector and creating jobs. 

Dedication to Tech Talent 

The state has focused critical attention on talent pipelines to support this epic business growth. Additionally, workforce development programs are designed to upskill local talent, ensuring businesses have access to skilled professionals in key industries like advanced manufacturing, tech, data science and defence.  

With the growing connection between people and AI/technology, enhancing the talent pipeline with skills in AI enables the two forces to work together for top-notch efficiency and productivity – an area where there has been hefty investment. But AI training isn’t just dedicated to those who need it in the workforce, the education now starts in schools with EdChat. 

Through the University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) international entrepreneurs are able to establish their startups, bringing their skills to the state not only to be supported and nurtured but also to provide local talent with jobs at these new and exciting companies.  

The Hard Work is Paying Off 

We can clearly see how dedicated South Australia is to advance the economy across several fields, through these targeted investments and strategic partnerships. The state is actively creating an environment that encourages business innovation, supports emerging industries, and attracts both national and international companies to the region. This approach will not only strengthen the local economy but also position South Australia as a competitive player in the global market.