EDA-SA is the State Practitioner Network of Economic Development Australia - the peak body for economic development professionals, fostering prosperity in communities across Australia. Practitioners are employed in Local Government, regional development agencies, State Government economic development departments, private sector consultants and companies involved in economic development. Membership
of EDA is open to all with a professional interest or involvement in economic development. Where we are
EDA’s purpose is to promote sustainable economic development in all spheres of government across Australia by supporting the professional development of economic development practitioners and promoting the profession. Membership exceeds 300 Australia-wide with State Practitioner Networks established in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Territories. EDA is committed to supporting economic development practitioners to increase the social, economic and environmental prosperity of Australian communities. EDA-SA works to the World Bank’s definition of economic development:
The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and non-governmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation. EDA-SA
The South Australian State Practitioner Network (SPN), established in 2008, is one of the strongest in Australia. The SA SPN focuses on delivering state-based events at which matters of local and regional interest can be discussed, and to support and facilitate the professional development of our members. EDA-SA also influences the economic development policy agenda and contributes to policy development with local, state and federal governments.
