News: Research
Policy support offers opportunities for SA post pandemic
Policy support from the South Australian and Federal governments for employment and training initiatives could play a crucial role in boosting the State’s population and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the University of Adelaide’s SA Centre for Economic Studies. These conclusions are drawn from three policy papers which consider the demographic and labour market impacts of COVID-19 on South Australia.
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Artificial intelligence revolution offers benefits and challenges
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the subject of much, and sometimes fantastical, speculation. However, the development of powerful mathematical models and increasing computer power have combined to make AI economically useful for a wide range of tasks, and companies report that the adoption of AI has delivered improvements in sales and efficiency. In an Issues Paper just released by SACES, the Australian Institute of Machine Learning argues that AI has reached a global tipping point and that Australia needs to invest in research and development in order to take advantage of this next wave of automation. Australia urgently needs a formal, national strategy for AI to ensure that we are net beneficiaries and not simply powerless recipients of this new and potentially disruptive technology.
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Greater COVID-19 consultation needed to avoid economic losses
The SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) is urging the State Government to consider a more consultative approach with industry in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid disruption and losses to the hotel sector. This recommendation is informed by a survey of the hotel industry in South Australia to gauge the impact of the sudden lockdown of South Australia due to COVID-19 in November 2020.
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To the rescue: opportunities for connecting council procurement and social enterprise
SACES has released a report which provides a toolkit for councils wishing to explore procurement strategies in order to achieve better social outcomes for residents, local communities and local business. It suggests steps that councils can take to identify social procurement opportunities and social suppliers of goods and services that councils procure. Methods for estimating the added value of social procurement are also described.
SA small businesses bearing costs of late payments by big business
A recent pilot survey provides insight into the challenges that South Australian SMEs face in being paid on time.
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Bushfires and weather hurt SA tourism activity, while coronavirus dampens the outlook
Eighty per cent of South Australian tourism businesses were impacted by the recent summer bushfires, with a slight majority (51 per cent) reporting they have been impacted to a moderate or significant extent, the December 2019 quarter edition of the SA Tourism Barometer report shows.
Land tax debate: wholesale reform needed
A new report from University of Adelaide economists argues that the South Australian Government should consider wholesale reform to land tax.
Newstart debate must focus on people not politics
A new report from University of Adelaide economists has added to the national debate about the Newstart Allowance, arguing that Newstart should be increased by as much as $120 a week and urging politicians to address the issue with maturity.
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Old ideas undermine the economic benefit of skilled migrants
Peter Gill, Andreas Cebulla and George Tan
Are employers stuck in the past with outdated and unreasonable perceptions that are working against skilled migrants finding employment? Are the same employers disregarding migrants as candidates for positions when they have, proportionately, higher qualifications than the local population?
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Small venues initiative provides economic boost and blueprint for undertaking reforms
The State Government's small license initiative has revitalised Adelaide's CBD, help change drinking culture, supported the creation of at least 1,250 jobs and provides a case study in how to cut through bureaucratic inertia, the first research report released on behalf of the SACES Independent Research Fund reveals.
