The Innovative Industries of the Future (IIF) program was proud to sponsor and participate in the Regional Development Australia South West workshop, Rethinking Business as Usual – Productivity and Innovation, held on 17 June 2026 at Capel Marron Farm. Bringing together leaders from business, government and industry, the workshop created a space for meaningful conversation about how regions can respond to growing economic and productivity challenges—and, importantly, how they can do things differently.
At its core, the workshop focused on a simple but powerful idea: if regions want different outcomes, they need to approach challenges in new ways. Participants were encouraged to step outside traditional thinking, share ideas, and explore practical pathways to improve productivity and resilience across the South West.
Through a mix of presentations, discussions and networking, the event highlighted key opportunities across sectors including agritech, advanced manufacturing, circular economy and energy—reinforcing the importance of innovation as a driver of regional growth.
Sponsoring this workshop reflects IIF’s broader purpose: supporting the adoption of new ideas, technologies and partnerships that strengthen regional economies.
Events like Rethinking Business as Usual are an important part of the IIF program—not as standalone moments, but as catalysts for ongoing engagement. By investing in these “in‑between” activities, IIF is helping to build capability, spark new thinking and create opportunities for collaboration ahead of the main conference.
The workshop demonstrated the value of bringing people together in an environment that encourages openness, curiosity and experimentation. Conversations extended beyond presentations—into shared insights, new connections and a stronger sense of regional collaboration.
The strength of the IIF program lies not only in the conference itself, but in the network of conversations, partnerships and initiatives that develop around it. The Rethinking Business as Usual workshop is a clear example of this approach in action—creating space for new thinking and reinforcing the region’s commitment to innovation-led growth.
As we build toward the Innovative Industries of the Future Conference, initiatives like this continue to play a critical role in shaping a more productive, resilient and forward-looking South West region.
Image credit: Abby Murray Photography
