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 - February 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
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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Rethink needed on Hunter’s economic development priorities
For the first time, knowledge-producing jobs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, such as those in the professional and information services, outnumber goods generating jobs, like manufacturing and mining.
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Institute for Regional Futures to collaborate with councils to ready the region for international airport
The international airport for the Hunter will open next year and is projected to generate 4,400 full time jobs and deliver $12.7 billion into the regional economy.
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Australia's first Circular Economy Living Lab finalist for Green Gown Awards Australiasia
We’re excited to announce that our partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council and Dantia that led to the establishment of Australia’s first Circular Economy Living Lab is a finalist in the 2022 Green Gown Awards Australasia.
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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.