Search our learnings, perspectives and insights across our impact areas.
If a global investor called tomorrow, would your council say yes?
If a major investor called tomorrow, would your council be ready? Drawing on the 2026 National Economic Development Conference’s Great Debate, Sparrowly Group explores how investment attraction strategies can support regional economic development, protect community interests and secure lasting local benefits - before the phone rings.
What if we designed economies to serve places, rather than places to serve economies?
What if economic development was measured by what stays local, not just what we attract? Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever draws on Zita Cobb’s Fogo Island story, shared at the Economic Development Australia Conference, to explore local ownership, placemaking and regional prosperity.
From invasive seaweed to global success: Seven lessons for Australia’s economic developers
Regional economic development in Australia depends on capturing value, not just producing more. Visiting Tasmanian biotechnology leader Marinova during the EDA National Conference in Hobart, the Sparrowly Group team shares seven lessons for economic developers on specialisation, commercialisation and market-led growth.
You had to be there to get it.
Why does being in place matter? Sparrowly Group’s Jackie Hicks explores how regional immersion, local engagement and place-based consulting lead to stronger strategies, better decisions and solutions shaped by the communities they are designed to support.
The power of showing up - why local business communities matter more than we think.
Strong local economies are built on connection, not just strategy. In this article, Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever unpacks the role of local business communities in driving collaboration, capability and resilience, offering practical insights for SME leaders and regional decision-makers looking to unlock growth through meaningful engagement.
Business resilience, why proactive preparedness matters.
Resilience isn’t about disaster plans, it’s about helping businesses adapt to whatever comes next. Learn why proactive preparedness delivers stronger outcomes for regional economies than traditional post-crisis recovery programs.