Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants
Knowledge Based Urban Development: Lessons from Australian Policies for the American Midwest
Department
School of Public, NonProfit & Health Admin
College
College of Community and Public Service
Date Range
2010-2011
Abstract
Australia presents a compelling framework for success and best practices in the knowledge economy and knowledge-based urban development (KBUD). The paper explicates the most important components of Australian cities' race to the top. Successful knowledge based economic development strategies are attributed to the commingling of policies - sound urban planning, coordinated state and local leadership and an overall commitment to sustainable development. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra are not only among the most livable in the world, but also attractive cities for foreign investment and poised to lead the knowledge economy revolution. For the majority of U.S. cities to compete in the "Race to the Top," state, local and federal leaders must adopt new models and change existing patterns of development. This research makes explicit comparisons between the Australian States and the Midwest both in strategic approaches to economic development. Research methods include direct field research in Australia with dozens of semi-structured interviews of state and local planners, primary source data including all of the major structure plans, sustainability plans, regional plans and knowledge economy indicators.
Conference Name
Midwest Political Science Association Annual National Conference
Conference Location
Chicago, IL
ScholarWorks Citation
Jelier, Richard, "Knowledge Based Urban Development: Lessons from Australian Policies for the American Midwest" (2010). Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants. 161.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/fsdg/161
