CEDA – the Committee for Economic Development of Australia – is an independent, membership-based think tank.
CEDA’s purpose is to improve the lives of Australians by enabling a dynamic economy and vibrant society.
For more than 60 years, CEDA has identified the policy issues that matter for Australia’s future and pursued solutions that deliver better economic and social outcomes.
Through independent research and frank debate, we influence policy and collaborate to disrupt for good, and are currently focused on tackling five critical questions:
- How can Australia develop and grow a more dynamic economy?
- How can we build vibrant Australian communities?
- How can Australia develop leading workforces and workplaces?
- How can Australia leverage the benefits of technology?
- How can Australia achieve climate resilience and regain our energy advantage?
Led by Chairman Diane Smith-Gander AO and Chief Executive Melinda Cilento, CEDA carries on the legacy of renowned economist Sir Douglas Copland, who founded CEDA in 1960. His work in applying economic analysis to practical problems to aid the development of Australia continues to drive our purpose today.
Our DIVERSE member network
CEDA has more than 620 members.
Our members come from a broad cross-section of industry, government, community and academia, and span every state and territory.
CEDA's independence and diverse membership makes us unique in the Australian policy landscape, and enables us to bring together and harness insights and ideas from across society and the economy.
In the past 12 months, CEDA has hosted more than 200 events across Australia featuring more than 350 speakers. This has included 65 public events and 140 Trustee briefings and member-only events. These events attracted more than 38,000 attendees.
Our story
Founded in 1960, CEDA owes its existence to Sir Douglas Copland, one of the great figures in Australian economic policy and education.
Our values
CEDA’s values shape our strategy, priorities and the way we work
Our people
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
The concept for CEDA was based on US think tank the Committee for Economic Development (CED). Today, CEDA's reach goes beyond Australia as a member of an international network of counterpart organisations.
CEDA uses these international affiliations to inform our agenda and provide international perspectives and knowledge to our members. Member organisations of the international network of counterpart organisations include:
| Australia | Committee for Economic Development of Australia |
| China | Institute for Reform and Development |
| Finland | Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA) |
| France | Institut de l'Entreprise |
| Germany | Centre for Economic Studies - IFO Institute |
| Japan | Keizai Doyukai |
| Latin America | Consejo Empresario de América Latina |
| Portugal | Forum de Administradores de Empresas |
| South Africa | National Business Initiative |
| Spain | Círculo de Empresarios |
| The Netherlands | SMO Society and Enterprise Foundation |
| United States | Committee for Economic Development |
World Competitiveness Yearbook
In addition to the international network of counterpart organisations, CEDA is also the Australian partner for the Switzerland-based IMD World Competitiveness Center's annual World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Released annually, it compares and ranks over 60 countries on a range of business competitiveness criteria.
