INNOVATION THROUGH A SELF-ORGANIZATION LENS

This study argues that the concept of 'self-organization' is useful as an alternative to evaluate innovative capacity in rural communities and enable an effective engagement with the economic development regions. The concept of self-organization provides a means of reviewing regions in a manner which enables local Governments to measure and develop innovative capacity. Developing innovative capacity is seen as an important driver for achieving the targets of a country strategic planning agenda. This paper presents a study in the state of South Australia, Australia in which the self-organization concept offers a strategy for proactively engaging the regions to innovation.