northland chamber

BUSINESS ADVOCATE COLUMN JULY 2011
If we consider innovation and creativity as being of importance to Northland’s future then it is appropriate to consider what elements are required for this to take place. What happens in a business on a day-to-day basis may require different processes from those needed to identify opportunities to be innovative or creative. Often opportunities to gain a competitive advantage coincide with difficult economic times and during these periods there is also a pressure to increase efficiency and reduce risk. So although leadership within business can influence change, the value of outside influences and the opportunities they present should not be overlooked.

Youth and tertiary education providers could be considered as potential outside influences for positive change. Youth because they are inherently more open to new ideas, taking risks and challenging accepted practices. While tertiary education can influence innovation and creativity within the business environment while at the same time applying academic rigor to business practice. More importantly tertiary education providers can act as enabling link between youth and enterprise.

As well as encouraging innovation and creativity, these two elements have another benefit for the communities in which they operate. They can positively influence a city’s reputation and act as an attractant for other innovative and creative people to come to that place. There are many examples both within New Zealand and overseas where tertiary institutes draw young and talented individuals into a district. Just look at Otago and Southland. The ability these institutions also have to prevent the loss of local talent should also not be overlooked.

The costs imposed on families wishing to assist their children gain further education can be prohibitive enough without having to consider additional costs relating to travel and accommodation associated with those young people being located away from home. It also means that those students and their families are spending money in their home communities rather than outside the district.

They create a demand and market for many products and services. In Christchurch several years ago, the relocation of the National Academy of Singing & Dramatic Art was sufficient to reinvigorate a large portion of their Commercial Business District that had been in steady decline. Then when their studies are completed they increase the skill level of the regional workforce and potentially start new businesses. In an ideal world we should be doing all we can to encourage and enable young Northlanders to contribute to the region’s economic growth.