A new government study has shown the Wheatbelt region is home to high levels of innovation with Northam, Toodyay and Chittering Shires identified as innovation hot spots.
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt report revealed that the region as a whole produces a high number of patent applications, reflecting the high number of people and businesses working on the development of new concepts, processes and products.
RDA Wheatbelt chairperson Graham Cooper said parts of the wheatbelt were batting above their weight in terms innovation, however, the report had identified issues in transitioning innovative concepts into business enterprises in some local governments.
“The report paints a somewhat unequal picture of innovation activity in conjunction with business growth in the wheatbelt,” he said.
“There are a series of challenges and constraints facing those who are looking to invest in innovation...however there are also numerous areas of opportunity.”
Across the region there are three main corridors of entrepreneurial innovation that radiate from Northam, which is located in the epicentre. These include Northam to Gingin, Northam to Narrogin and Northam to Merredin.
