Regional Australia Institute

The Regional Australia Institute Ltd (RAI) is Australia's first and only national, independent think tank dedicated to building robust regional economies and enhancing the quality of life in regional towns and cities. It focuses on research and policy solutions to stimulate and activate rural and regional communities.

Overview

The Regional Australia Institute plays a pivotal role in ensuring that decision-makers at all levels of government, industry, and community have the necessary information to achieve the best outcomes for regional Australia. Its work encompasses producing quality research, developing policy solutions, advocating for change, and implementing activation projects to support regional development.

Mission

The mission of the RAI is to provide actionable insights and innovative solutions that help regional areas grow and thrive. By supporting entrepreneurship, job creation, and digital innovation, the Institute aims to showcase the opportunities available in regional Australia for living, working, and investing.

Initiatives and Programs

• Regional Activators Alliance (RAA): The RAI collaborates with the Regional Activators Alliance, a coalition of regional stakeholders, to promote the potential and opportunities in regional Australia. Members of the RAA work together to change the narrative around regional growth, advocating for a more prosperous and inclusive nation.

• Regionalisation Ambition 2032: This framework outlines the Institute's long-term vision for achieving greater regionalisation by 2032. Developed from a decade of research with input from various stakeholders, it emphasizes collaboration, prosperity, inclusion, infrastructure, and place-based decision-making. The framework is structured around five key pillars:

  1. Jobs & Skills
  2. Liveability
  3. Population
  4. Productivity & Innovation
  5. Sustainability & Resilience

These pillars are designed to contribute to building stronger regional communities and a more resilient Australia.

Impact

The Regional Australia Institute's efforts have significant implications for regional development. By fostering a better understanding of regional opportunities and challenges, the Institute supports policymakers and community leaders in making informed decisions that benefit regional economies and communities.

Status as a Non-Profit

As a non-profit organization, the Regional Australia Institute operates independently to advance its mission without profit motive, focusing instead on community and economic development in regional Australia.

[1] https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au [2] https://regionalaustralia.org.au/Web/Web/About-Us/Who-we-are.aspx [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/34568a6a-38af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/profile [4] https://buy.nsw.gov.au/supplier/profile/12353581 [5] https://www.advancecairns.com/advocacy/regional-australia-institute/