C-EDGE Industry Roundtable Event
Event Description
Driving Industry Growth in South Australia: Challenges, Opportunities and the Role of SMEs
The C-EDGE Industry Roundtable will bring together industry, government and academic leaders to explore entrepreneurship and new pathways for business growth in South Australia.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Registration: 10:45am to 11:00am - tea and coffee on arrival
Time: 11:00am to 1:30pm
Location: Pridham Hall, Adelaide University City Campus West
The roundtable will provide an opportunity to hear directly from industry and government about the current opportunities and challenges facing South Australian businesses, alongside economic and academic perspectives on the broader business environment.
The program will feature insights from industry representatives across areas including tourism and events, family business, AI and digital innovation, and business ecosystems, with discussion focused on the practical challenges businesses face — from resource constraints and market vulnerability to supply chain pressures and institutional and regulatory barriers.
Following these industry perspectives, participants will take part in facilitated roundtable discussions over a working lunch, exploring the key issues raised and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The session will then bring together these insights with C-EDGE research capabilities, highlighting potential pathways for collaborative research and practical responses to industry challenges.
Whether you are an industry representative, business leader, government representative, academic or researcher, this roundtable provides an opportunity to contribute to the conversation, share your experiences and perspectives, and help shape new pathways for entrepreneurship, collaboration and business growth in South Australia.
Please register your attendance by 18 October 2026 to secure your place at this roundtable.
We look forward to welcoming you!
About C-EDGE
C-EDGE is an Adelaide University research centre focused on enterprise, industry and economic development. Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise across business, economics and management, the Centre works closely with industry, government and communities to develop evidence-based insights and practical solutions that support innovation, resilience and economic growth.
Guest Speakers
Andrew Kay, SA Business Chamber - Keynote: SA Industry – A View from the Ground
Andrew Kay is CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber and brings extensive business experience across large multinational corporations, small family businesses and organisations in the financial services, FMCG and wine sectors, both in Australia and internationally. He has also held numerous private-sector and government board roles and is passionate about reducing complexity and creating opportunities for South Australian businesses.
Dr Susan Stone, Adelaide University - The Economic Perspective
Susan Stone is the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University, providing expert analysis on South Australia’s economic position and the impact of global economic factors on the local economy. She brings extensive international experience, having held senior roles with the OECD, United Nations ESCAP and Asian Development Bank Institute, as well as Australia’s Productivity Commission. Her research spans international economics, trade and economic policy.
Daisy Miller, Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA) - Tourism & Events
Daisy Miller is CEO of the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), bringing experience across government, industry advocacy, small business, travel, hospitality and tour operations. She has founded several small businesses in the hospitality sector since 2014, giving her first-hand experience of operating within the sector. Prior to joining TiCSA, Daisy worked as a tourism adviser to the South Australian Government, engaging closely with industry, government and regional stakeholders on tourism policy, advocacy and strategic initiatives. Her broad experience provides a strong understanding of the issues and opportunities facing South Australia's tourism industry.
Gavin Artz, Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) - AI & Digital Innovation
Gavin Artz is an Investment Attraction Advisor with the Adelaide Economic Development Agency, with extensive experience in investment attraction, innovation and economic development. Across previous roles with CSIRO and the South Australian Government, Gavin developed strategic initiatives to attract investment in technology, creative industries and the green economy. His current work focuses on building Adelaide’s investment pipeline and strengthening connections between businesses, industry and the city’s innovation ecosystem.
Diane Dixon, State Project Lead, Lot Fourteen | State Innovation Places Lead - Innovation Ecosystems
Diane’s work includes innovation district delivery, project management, strategic land use planning, economic development, stakeholder engagement and investment & trade in both the UK and Australia. She currently leads the delivery of Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen district and developed and is delivering the ‘South Australia Innovation Places Leadership Framework’ to unlock greater value from investment and elevate innovation and economic outcomes.
Hosted by
Hosted by Associate Professor Rob Hallak, Executive Director, C-EDGE | Adelaide University
Rob is the Executive Director of the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE) and Associate Professor of Management at Adelaide University. He is internationally recognised for his research in entrepreneurship and business performance, with a particular focus on tourism enterprises. Rob has authored or co-authored more than 80 academic and industry publications and has extensive experience collaborating with government and industry on research addressing business resilience, innovation and enterprise performance. Rob will open and facilitate the event, guiding the discussion between industry, government and C-EDGE researchers.
Professor Allan O'Connor Professor, Enterprise Dynamics | Co-director (Industry Ecosystems), C-EDGE | Adelaide University
Allan is the Professor of Enterprise Dynamics at Adelaide University and Co-director of Industry Ecosystems within C-EDGE. His research focuses on the intersections between entrepreneurship, innovation and socioeconomic development, with particular expertise in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Allan has worked extensively with South Australian industry and innovation stakeholders and is internationally recognised for his research on how entrepreneurial ecosystems contribute to innovation, enterprise development and economic growth. Allan will co-host the event, facilitate industry and research discussions, and deliver the closing remarks.
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