Title: Wine and economic development: technological and corporate change in the Australian wine industry

Authors: Keith Smith, Ian Marsh

Addresses: Australian Innovation Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 108 Hobart 7001 TAS, Australia. ' Graduate School of Government, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

Abstract: The technological upgrading of existing industries is a key source of growth. An example is the Australian wine sector, which has exhibited sustained growth in its firms, output and trade. Growth rests on two technological advances – mechanisation of pruning and harvesting, and new grape varieties. Upgrading required a shared strategic vision, a significant support infrastructure of research institutions, new tertiary educational institutions, a network of consultants and suppliers, and a knowledge-promoting tax regime. However the industry failed to build global marketing and distribution, and the creation of a successful innovation system has not been matched by domestic corporate success.

Keywords: economic development; innovation; technological change; wine industry; organisational change; Australia; wine technology; infrastructure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2007.014334

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2007 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.224 - 245

Published online: 02 Jul 2007 *

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