Place Based Economic Development with Simon White

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Simon White

Simon White

Simon White is a specialist in place-based economic development, private sector and business development and business environment reform.

Creating liveable cities: How can a Federal Government support cities?

Australia’s new prime minster, Malcolm Turnbull, is sounding very progressive when he talks of Australia’s future and introduces his new ministry line up. It was particularly interesting to hear of his support for cities as he introduced his new Cabinet today: “Liveable, vibrant cities are absolutely critical to

Streetscapes for local economic development

Improving our streetscapes as an economic development strategy

Improving streetscapes for local economic development In this post, I look at the connection between better streetscapes and local economic development. Better planning and good urban design are important elements in a local economic development strategy and in recent years, increasing attention is being given to the role of streetscapes.

Red Tape Reform – Today in the Australian Parliament

Amidst the turmoil this week’s political events, which saw Malcolm Turnbull ousting Tony Abbott as Prime Minister, the Australian Parliament is discussing the Omnibus Repeal Day (Autumn 2015) Bill 2015. This Bill is a part of the Australian Government’s drive for red tape reform. The list of amendments

Policies for Innovation

The June 2015 meeting of the OECD Ministerial Council held in Paris has led to the OECD Innovation Strategy 2015 An Agenda for Policy Action. This strategy highlights the key role governments can play “in fostering a sound environment for innovation, in investing in the foundations for innovation, in helping

Policies for the Formalisation of the Informal Economy

Over the last two days I have been at the International Training Centre in Italy presenting a draft document on policies and practices for the formalisation of the informal economy. I will provide links to the paper once it is finalised, but my presentation can be downloaded HERE. In June

Promoting innovation among SMEs

I am interested in how governments can promote innovation in the private sector, especially within micro, small and medium-sized firms. This includes the role of government in establishing innovation eco-systems, supporting research and development, and advising business directly. A recent report on innovation in low-income countries has caught my eye.

The Private Sector in Development; Challenges for the State

Here is my presentation to Policy Seminar of the Sir Walter Murdoch School Public Policy and International Affairs at Murdoch University, Western Australia. The seminar sought to examine the role of the private sector in global development and the challenges posed to developing-country states and the donor and development agencies