Institute for Regional Futures
Institute for Regional Futures
The Institute for Regional Futures recognises the significant social, cultural, spatial and economic contribution of regional Australia to the nation and is invested in realising its vast potential. Based in the Hunter, our Institute is of and for regions. Our focus is on regions and regionalism nationally and internationally.
About the Institute
The Institute for Regional Futures is one of the University’s flagship research institutes. For decades, the Institute has partnered with governments, industries and communities providing evidence and strategy to support them to make the best decisions for their future and the future of their regions.
Why do regions matter? 1:24min
Hear first-hand from the community about why regions matter.
Services
Optimising your organisation
Our team will partner with you to enhance your organisation across priority areas to improve performance and delivery, and strengthen capability.
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Planning inspired by fresh thinking
Our team of qualitative and quantitative experts will partner with you to build the evidence-base and provide the insights you need to underpin quality planning and delivery.
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Fostering real connections
Our team comprises leaders in communication and engagement. They design and deliver innovative methodologies across a range of sectors. We have extensive experience working with communities and stakeholders in contested and sensitive areas.
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Publications
Our research projects generate insights and impact for our government, industry and community partners. A collection of publications showcasing our work is available on NOVA, the University of Newcastle's open access repository.
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Economic Update - October 2024
Hunter Insight Series
The Hunter Insight Series brings together the Hunter Research Foundation Centre's wealth of data and the latest research from the Institute for Regional Futures. Through this series, we delve into the social, economic and environmental factors at play in the Hunter and other regions. We highlight key considerations for decision-makers, and the challenges and opportunities for the road ahead.
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News
I2N Pre-Accelerator expands to Central Coast
The University of Newcastle is expanding its successful I2N Pre-Accelerator program into the Central Coast, providing two location options for the 2025 intake.
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Hunter residents report stronger financial skills than metro neighbours
Hunter residents have the edge over their metropolitan neighbours, with higher levels of financial confidence and stronger financial planning skills, research released by NGM Group and the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures shows.
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Workforce willing to retrain, millennials ready to relocate: New research provides vital insights for Hunter and Central Coast businesses
New research reveals that the majority of residents across the Hunter and Central Coast are willing to retrain and reskill to fill the future jobs gap as the region transitions to a low-carbon economy.
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Happier in the Hunter: promising findings for young people
Despite the challenges that young people in regional areas face, new data reveals Hunter youth are happier than their peers in capital cities.
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New research reveals encouraging step for Hunter renewal
New research has revealed that the majority of Hunter residents support the need for the region to transition to new sources of employment, a finding buffeted by the strong showings for the region in key social areas such as resilience and community.
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New analysis: housing need significantly underestimated
Analysis released by the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures into the national housing shortage shows that the projected supply of housing needed in Australia’s cities and regions falls significantly short of demand.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.