A SHIFT OF THINKING
A seismic shift is looming in business and society as new technologies, cultural evolution and climate change present humanity with some of the biggest challenges in our history.

As imperative as it is that we invest in innovation, the word itself is bandied around frequently- almost like a badge of honour in government and corporate circles alike. Still, we need more than sound-bite buzzwords and good intentions. Innovation has always been about better attuning products and services with the market’s desires but now we need to consider how to continue to thrive in such a way that benefits the planet.

For decades letting ‘market forces’ decide what is good or valuable has been about exploiting opportunities, often at the expense of long-term societal good.

Much of what could be innovative and beneficial gets pushed aside to ensure profits and power dynamics remain mostly unhindered, but there are better ways to make lasting positive change.

The interconnected environmental processes of our planet are tilting out of balance, and humanity will have to scramble to fix problems that are complex and difficult to rectify.

As always, those already working on solutions will be in a much better place than those who doggedly hang on to outmoded thinking and processes.

Food production, waste management, electric transport, de-carbonisation, health and sustainability- these areas and many others are evolving, and the tides of change will continue to push things along.

Traditionally, Adelaide has swung between being consciously conservative and passionately progressive in various areas but now finds itself a magnet for new ways of thinking as start-ups and tech hubs flourish in this accelerating environment.

South Australia is attracting renewed interest internationally, and homegrown industries are stepping up to meet new demands across numerous sectors. As of late March 2023, the unemployment rate for South Australia has hit the lowest on record.

Things are getting noisy for a state that has been a relatively quiet achiever. This publication and the businesses it highlights will showcase how this State of Innovation is shifting gears towards the future.