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Priority areas

CEDA Research is CEDA's dedicated research and publishing arm. Headed by Dr Michael Porter, it delivers independent, applicable solutions to the major issues facing Australia.

CEDA Research is the result of collaboration between Australia's best minds. We bring together the business and academic communities to deliver independent, well informed research about Australia's biggest challenges. 

Research in 2009 and beyond

In 2009 Australia faces the most serious financial and economic challenges since CEDA was formed almost 50 years ago.

While CEDA forums continue to traverse the full spectrum of topics, CEDA Research and Policy has focused on vital areas of economic and institutional policy reform where CEDA can make a difference. The CEDA Research and Policy Priorities topics that have emerged from consultation with the CEDA membership are:

• The Global Financial Crisis and implications for Australia
• Water and energy - the urgent need for improved institutional frameworks
• Broadband and digital information (Restructure, Telstra and the NBN)
• Climate change - emissions trading versus an explicit carbon tax
• Infrastructure development and effective private-public partnerships (PPPs)

Each topic, noted above, is an area with a need for independent debate and where CEDA ideas and discussions can have a major impact on Australia's economic and social wellbeing. With the appointment in mid 2008 of Dr Michael Porter as Director, CEDA Research and Policy, CEDA has expanded its capacity to focus on key economic challenges. Michael has had major roles on policy issues through a range of think tanks, universities, policy forums and international agencies and retains active linkages with a network of policy experts internationally.

CEDA Policy and Research is now squarely aimed at leveraging CEDA's convening and networking capacity across all sectors of the community concerned with our economic performance. CEDA's appointment of a new Research and Policy Council, and expert Water Panel reflects this concern to link with outstanding thinkers and experts across the key economic and social concerns in Australia. 

CEDA's reputation as an objective and credible participant in Australian public policy debate has been expanded with the targeting of key issues, most recently in connection with broadband and the NBN, carbon taxes versus emissions trading and the financial and regulatory dimensions to the GFC.

Past research

CEDA's has an extensive volume of past research. Previous work can be browsed by topic by visiting the Previous topics section or key areas are outlined below.

• Ageing
  The challenges of Australia's ageing population and increasing life expectancies.
• Defence and defence industries
  Building a better relationship between the Defence Force and industry.
• Privatisation and public contracting
  Studying the transformation of public-sector services over the past two decades.
• Energy and natural resources
  Issues in resource management and energy policy
• Management development in Australia
  How Australia can develop world-class managers.
• Lifelong Learning
  Responding to our ageing workforce and skills shortages
• China in Australia's Future
  Australia's relationship with China will be our most important economic relationship over the next 50 years.
• Sustainable Queensland
  A detailed examination of how Queensland can manage its growth while retaining its dynamism and lifestyle.