Tonsley Innovation District

Tonsley Innovation District has surged into its second decade of operation, continuing its laser-focused commitment to driving innovation and energising the state’s economy. The government-led District, located 12km from the city, has made dramatic strides since opening in 2012. From its initial remit to re-ignite a stalling manufacturing sector in Adelaide’s southern suburbs following the closure of the Mitsubishi plant in 2008, to now solving some of the world’s most complex problems through creative innovation, Tonsley has become a global benchmark for the successful re-use of a former industrial site.

To mark Tonsley’s first decade of success, Renewal SA sat down with some of the District’s greatest champions, those who have actively contributed to its collaborative ecosystem and influenced the exemplar incubator it has become.

By joining Global Institute on Innovation Districts, Tonsley Innovation District will have access to a framework that will help strengthen its unique value proposition and provide opportunities for it to leapfrog ahead in core areas of sustainability, economic resilience and attraction of industry and investment, including further harnessing talent and responding to new economic development opportunities.

According to Chief Scientist for South Australia Professor Caroline McMillen “this Global Institute on Innovation Districts membership will allow us to learn best practice to further strengthen the performance of SA’s innovation creation hubs like Tonsley Innovation District, which in turn will lead to greater global competitiveness and jobs growth.”