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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Supporting South Australia's businesses and industries to succeed at a local, national and global scale.

    Focus areas for economic growth in South Australia

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    Key projects, initiatives and support programs

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    Department of State Development

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    The Department of State Development acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state's first people and nations, and recognises Aboriginal people as traditional owners and occupants of South Australian land and waters.
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    Support for businesses impacted by the algal bloom

    The naturally occurring algal bloom is currently affecting parts of South Australia’s coastline, causing serious harm to the environment, local communities and businesses that rely on our beaches and oceans.

    The South Australian and Australian governments have rolled out a significant support package, including financial relief payments for impacted commercial fisheries, aquaculture businesses, and marine-based small businesses.


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    Other focus areas

    Shaping South Australia's innovative manufacturing sector

    Building a strong and innovative manufacturing sector for South Australia’s continued participation in the global economy.

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    Driving economic growth through critical technologies

    Driving strong economic growth in South Australia through the adoption of key Critical Technologies across a number of sectors.

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    Developing a high performing research and innovation system

    Promoting research collaboration and investment to grow South Australia’s reputation for competitive global excellence in research, translation and commercialisation.

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    Positioning South Australia globally to drive trade and investment outcomes

    Driving economic growth through direct investment into South Australia, and increasing exports in sectors of competitive advantage for the state.

    Department of State Development

    The Department of State Development delivers sustainable economic growth and a resilient economy through the development of creative, innovative and productive businesses and industries in South Australia.

    We partner with industry, academia and the business community to help build strong links and connections that will drive our smart economy.

    As a collaborative, agile and innovative organisation, our responsibilities include the development of a high-performing research and innovation system, supporting industry to get the skilled workforce it needs, and improving the state's industrial capability and capacity.

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    Top 10 employment sectors

    • 1. Health care and social assistance employs 190,300
    • 2. Construction employs 87,900
    • 3. Retail trade employs 87,900
    • 4. Education and training employs 86,400
    • 5. Professional, scientific and technical services employs 69,700
    • 6. Manufacturing employs 67,300
    • 7. Public administration and safety employs 63,900
    • 8. Accommodation and food services employs 63,200
    • 9. Transport, postal and warehousing employs 45,500
    • 10. Agriculture, forestry and fishing employs 37,600

    Other employment sectors are also driving economic growth

    • Technology employs 20,900
    • Mining employs 17,400
    • Defence industry employs 11,300
    • Clean energy employs 2,900