Investment Opportunities
South Australia is among the most cost-competitive environments for trade and business development in Australia.
Our State provides an ideal location for businesses seeking outstanding commercial opportunities in emerging and established industry sectors.
Defence, resources and clean technology are three ‘stand-out’ investment options for local and interstate investors, while the traditional economic pillars of food and wine, agriculture and advanced manufacturing continue to achieve high-level outcomes in both local and international markets.
Click on an industry sector below to find out more about the investment opportunities that are available to you or download our Brilliant Blend publication for more information.
High-value manufacturing
Contributing almost $9 billion to the South Australian economy and providing employment for more than 80,000 people, manufacturing is the State’s largest industry.
Investment opportunities exist currently in high-value manufacturing, where the State is rapidly developing expertise in water recycling equipment, premium wine, cars and automotive parts, submarines, agricultural equipment, health and medical devices, defence equipment, consumer electronics, building materials and mining supplies.
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Aerospace and aviation
South Australia has a long history of commercial success in the aviation industry.
The State is home to Cobham Aviation Services Australia, which provides high-level support for the Coastwatch border protection program through National Air Support – the largest program of its kind in the world.
Supporting a wide range of complementary aviation businesses, South Australia provide investment opportunities in equipment support for structures, engines and avionics, head-office sales and support, and ground handling.
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Bioscience
Adelaide is Australia’s most cost-competitive city for biomedical research and development, and clinical trials (KPMG Competitive Alternatives 2010).
Bio Innovation SA was established by the State Government to foster the growth of the State’s biotechnology industry.
Investors in this sector will benefit from the four elements required to grow a thriving biotechnology industry – world-class infrastructure, business development services, financial incentives and management expertise.
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Visit Bio Innovation SA
Clean technologies
South Australia’s clean technology – or “cleantech” – sector is at the forefront of international efforts to develop technology-based products and services that reduce environmental impacts.
The State leads Australia in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and wave power, and has recognised expertise in water treatment and waste management.
Numerous investment opportunities have emerged as global markets pursue sustainable ways of living and working.
Invest in South Australia’s cleantech sector and you are partnering with a national leader in sustainable energy, with a commitment to pursuing renewable energy forms and a world-leader in introducing climate-change legislation.
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Defence
Renowned as Australia’s “defence state,” South Australia is home to top scientific, research and educational institutions, a highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The State has a proud history of delivering world-class defence projects and investment opportunities abound in this high-growth sector.
The South Australian Government has established three distinct defence precincts to ensure companies can network and collaborate:
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Techport Australia at Osborne is Australia’s premier naval industry hub, focused on naval shipbuilding, systems and sustainment.
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Technology Park Adelaide is the State’s high-technology precinct at Mawson Lakes, focused on defence electronics and systems development and integration.
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The Edinburgh Defence Precinct in Adelaide’s north is focused on defence research manufacturing, and sustainment in the land and aerospace environments.
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Visit Defence SA's website
Food and wine
South Australia is an ideal location for international food and beverage companies seeking opportunities for global expansion.
Internationally acclaimed wine and food produce are exported to markets around the world.
Renowned for innovative production processes, the State produces almost half of Australia’s wine and is home to the world-famous Penfold’s Grange.
South Australia has an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable growing environments and its quality produce is renowned for integrity and safety.
With opportunities growing for trade with China, India, the United States and South-East Asia, South Australia provides an excellent base for your agribusiness operations.
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ICT and electronics
Adelaide is ranked as the second most cost-competitive city in the world for software design, and Australia’s most cost-competitive city for software, web and multi-media development (KPMG Competitive Alternatives 2010).
South Australia’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector is one of the State’s niche growth industries, its award-winning companies are acknowledged as innovative and globally competitive.
Investment opportunities in this sector will place your business in the most cost-competitive city in Australia for electronic systems testing (KPMG Competitive Alternatives 2010).
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Minerals and energy
South Australia’s mining boom has put our State centre stage for international resource investment.
The expansion of the Olympic Dam mine in South Australia’s outback will enrich our State, creating significant economic and employment opportunities for years to come.
Outstanding joint venture and investment opportunities exist in exploration for gold, uranium, iron ore, nickel and heavy mineral sands in downstream processing, refining and the associated resources infrastructure and services.
South Australia earned a top-10 ranking in mineral potential in the 2009-2010 Fraser Institute survey of more than 70 mining jurisdictions worldwide. It also ranked fifth globally in ResourceStocks magazine’s 2009 World Risk Mining Survey.
The State has highly competitive energy costs by world standards with access to Australia’s largest onshore oil and gas fields in the north of the State. The northern regions of South Australia also form a hub of the national gas-distribution network.
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Resource services and technology
The rapid growth of South Australia’s Minerals and Energy sector has driven the demand for a large group of related services and technology businesses in the State.
South Australia’s ‘resource services and technology’ (RST) sector consists of businesses that supply services or technologies to minerals and energy firms locally, across Australia and around the world. RST expertise includes scientific and engineering services, mineral processing and distribution, administration, ICT, transport, education and training, and site construction, management and operations.
Opportunities in the RST sector are anticipated to escalate over the next decade as global demand for commodities continues to expand, driven by the rapid industrialisation of China and India.
Minerals and energy-sector growth is also expected to create strong demand for physical infrastructure such as power, gas, water, rail and ports facilities, and for schools, hospitals and shopping centres within the flourishing communities that serve the mining industry.
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Education
The South Australian Government is establishing Adelaide as a university city of the future.
Adelaide attracted almost 34,000 international students in 2009 as education became South Australia’s third largest export sector, generating $892 million for the economy and supporting more than 6,000 local jobs.
Adelaide’s renowned education sector offers many potential investment opportunities for businesses looking to work closely with the State’s top companies to help provide employment opportunities for local students.
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