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Areas of Responsibility

Topics on this page include:

• Overview
• Fostering innovative technologies and practices  
• Supporting and developing industries
• Developing regional and rural Victoria

Overview

The Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) is responsible for economic development in Victoria. The department's offices across the State and in key cities overseas act as a liaison between industries and the Victorian Government and is often the first point of contact between the two.

In its role as key liaison between industry and the State, the department ensures that innovative practices and technologies are championed across industries and businesses; that industries have access to a range of programs, assistances and advice to foster growth and development; and that infrastructure projects in regional areas are supported and developed.

Fostering innovative technologies and practices

The department explores, researches and helps spread innovative technologies and practices as a way of stimulating the economy, thereby raising the living standards of all Victorians and positioning Victoria as a globally competitive State.

Recent investments have focused heavily on the automotive, biotechnology, energy and information and communication technology industries.

As part of its commitment to driving innovation in Victoria, DIIRD provides financial assistance, advice, and networking opportunities in the areas of:

• biotechnology
• agriculture and food  
• science, technology and innovation
• aerospace and defence
• high-end manufacturing
• information and communication technologies

The DIIRD offices and Divisions most involved in fostering innovation are:

• Office of Science and Technology (Business Development Division)
• Office of Manufacturing and Service Industries (Business Development Division)
• Office of Business Innovation and Strategy (Business Development Division)
• Innovation Economy Advisory Board (Economic Policy and Planning Division)
• Invest Victoria

Supporting and developing industries

DIIRD has a key role to play in fostering and promoting industries in Victoria. It:

• offers advice and financial assistance to a variety of industry players
• mentors and informs business enterprises
• facilitates growth and development within industry sectors
• liaises between government departments and industrial bodies
• offers networking opportunities within and across industries

DIIRD is particularly active in the areas of:

• export
• financial services
• manufacturing
• small business
• industrial relations
• food and food processing
• tourism

The DIIRD offices and units most actively working to promote industry are:

• Industrial Relations
• Office of International Business Export (Business Support Division)
• Office of Small Business (Business Support Division)
• Office of Manufacturing and Services Industries (Business Support Division)
• Office of Business Innovation and Strategy (Business Support Division) 
• Food Victoria (Regional Development Division)
• Koori Business Network
• Invest Victoria
• Regional Industries
• Tourism Victoria

Developing regional and rural Victoria

DIIRD, along with the State Government, has made regional and rural Victoria a high policy priority, allowing businesses and communities in regional Victoria to reach their full economic and social potential.

Key initiatives, such as the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), the Small Towns Development Fund, and the Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP), aim to build a sturdy regional infrastructure that can attract, support, and sustain businesses and residents in regional and rural areas.

Within DIIRD, Regional Development takes lead responsibility for ensuring the development and growth of regional Victoria.