Economic Development Australia (EDA) is delighted to welcome economic development professionals from across the country to the 2025 National Economic Development Conference (NEDC25) in Newcastle, New South Wales, on the traditional lands of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.
Held at Newcastle City Hall from October 28-30 with the theme, ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy’, Australia’s premier conference for economic development professionals will explore the transformative forces shaping Australia’s economy and the global landscape while presenting actionable strategies to build resilient, sustainable, innovative, and inclusive cities and regions.
Keynote speaker Dr. Christian Ketels will set the tone for the event with his expert insights into the major economic shifts unfolding worldwide. He advises that we are not simply experiencing incremental change, but a fundamental reorganisation of how the global economy operates.
“The rules of the global economy are shifting… the nature of the markets we compete in are changing,” said Dr. Ketels in a recent conversation with EDA CEO Jacqueline Brinkman. “What’s going on is not just marginal change here and there, it’s a change in the way that the game is organised.”
He points to geoeconomics, sustainability and technological disruption as converging forces that demand a fresh, collaborative approach to economic development. Productivity remains essential, he says, but the focus must now also shift to value capture and strategic coordination.
“There is no shortcut to competitiveness and productivity upgrading,” Dr. Ketels adds. “It requires a lot of things that are not rocket science, but the complexity is the coordination. It’s the coordination of the action agenda and the coordination also across the different players.”
Joining Dr. Ketels in the keynote line-up are Dr. Ben Hamer, Sociologist and Futurist, and Luli Adeyemo, Director and Founder of Best Case Scenario. They will be joined by economic development leaders from across Australia, who will share practical insights, case studies and on the ground experiences.
NEDC speakers will deliver engaging presentations across diverse sessions including:
- Partnerships, Collaboration and Placemaking
- City and Regional Transformation
- Innovative Ideas for Future Planning
- Using Data to Drive Economic Development
- Workforce Development for Equity, Inclusion and Impact
- Global Insights
- Energy Evolution
- Indigenous Economic Development
- Unlocking Investment Potential
- Emerging Economic Development Practitioners Toolbelt Kit Session
- Just Transitions in Energy Communities
- The Greate Debate: AI – Job Creator or Job Killer
EDA CEO, Jacqueline Brinkman, said, “As one of the most exciting and creative cities in Australia with a people-centred and place-based approach to economic development, NEDC25 in Newcastle will bring together industry leaders to explore sustainable, innovative and collaborative growth strategies that drive economic prosperity across Australia.”
Attendees can also look forward to high-quality networking events, including a Welcome Reception at the iconic Roundhouse, and the National Economic Development Awards for Excellence Gala at Earp Distillery.
To register or learn more, visit www.edaconference.com.au
