About IERG

Philosophy

The IERG is driven by two central themes.

The importance of entrepreneurship and innovation to economic growth and prosperity in Australia and the region.
The need to develop, engage and connect with all facets of the entrepreneurial community.

The connections between entrepreneurial activity and economic growth are increasingly recognised by governments, industry and society. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development highlights the role of entrepreneurs as
" essential agents who accelerate the generation, application and spread of innovative ideas and in doing so not only ensure efficient use of resources but also expand the boundaries of economic activity " (OECD, 1998 p. 1)
Increasingly, entrepreneurs are leveraging international and global markets due in part to the removal of trade barriers, advances in manufacturing transportation and information technology, advances in process manufacturing, and the rise of lucrative global niche markets.
Australia and the region have benefited from the many successful new entrepreneurial ventures as well as the entrepreneurial 'turnarounds' of larger established businesses. Entrepreneurial activity has been both local and global in scope. The IERG seeks to leverage a wealth of alumni, contacts and businesses that would provide teaching and research cases to learn from both entrepreneurial successes and failures. Key areas of interest for the IERG include raising the profile and awareness of entrepreneurial role models, developing the regulatory and social infrastructure to encourage entrepreneurship, and raising the skills and experience of entrepreneurial individuals in large and small firms across the region.

The IERG takes a holistic approach to entrepreneurship and innovation recognising that the process of identifying and exploiting new opportunities - particularly those that are international in nature - involves a number of participants. These members of the entrepreneurial community include entrepreneurs (first time and 'serial'), investors, advisors, Government and its agencies, as well as educators and researchers that provide new insights and training. We would therefore seek to engage with these members of the community and act as a conduit to connect these members in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
Based on these two themes, the IERG is involved in research, teaching, and outreach activities and excellence. This activity would emphasise the practical engagement with the entrepreneurial communities, as summarised in Figure 1. The teaching and research program in International Entrepreneurship supports the priorities of cross-disciplinary research, internationalization, as well as 'impact' and collaboration with external bodies.