Abstract

While extensive literature exists on knowledge-based urban development (KBUD) focusing on large metropolitan cities, there is a paucity of literature looking into similar developments in small regional towns. The major aim of the paper is to examine the nature and potential for building knowledge precincts in regional towns.  Through a review of extant literature on knowledge precincts, five key value elements and principles for development are identified. These principles are then tested and applied to a case study of a small town of Cooroy in Noosa, Australia. The Cooroy Lower Mill Site and its surroundings are the designated location for what may be called a community-based creative knowledge precinct.

The opportunities and challenges for setting up a creative knowledge precinct in Cooroy were examined. The study showed that there is a potential to develop Cooroy with the provision of cultural and learning facilities, partnerships with government, business and educational institutions, and networking with other creative and knowledge precincts in the region. However, there are also specific challenges relating to the development of knowledge precinct within the regional town and these relate to critical mass, competition and governance.

Attracting and Retaining SMEs in Knowledge Precincts: Challenges and Opportunities
PhD study by Joan K. Imukuka

This thesis primarily focuses on the knowledge-based economy phenomenon which has been embraced by various countries across the globe. In the past few decades policymakers have increasingly recognised the vital role that knowledge plays in economic processes. As a result various policy initiatives have been formulated designed to help countries, regions and cities claim their share in the knowledge-based economy. Developing knowledge precincts is one of the knowledge-based ideas that seems to be gaining momentum in a number of countries. This study explores the concept of knowledge precincts and examines its application to Australian small cities/towns. It aims at gaining insights into the factors that influence small and medium-sized enterprise to locate to particular knowledge precincts and the benefits they derive from them. In addition, the research will examine the specific strategies used by knowledge precinct stakeholders to attract and retain small and medium-sized enterprises to knowledge precincts and the challenges they face when implementing such strategies. A qualitative approach involving multiple case studies will be used to address the research issues

Team

• Assoc. Prof. Bhishna Bajracharya
• Prof. Greg Hearn
• Ms Joan K Imukuka (PhD Candidate)

Partners

• Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Publications

Bajracharya, B., Too, L., Imukuka, J., and Hearn, G. (2009, Sep 2-4). Developing knowledge precincts in regional towns: Opportunities and challenges. Paper presented at the 2nd International Urban Design Conference, Gold Coast, QLD. (eprints >)