This data has been created by the Regional Australia Institute for the [In]Sight competitive index released in 2012. Modelled on the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report [In]Sight was developed in collaboration with Deloitte Access Economics and combines data from sources including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Social Health Atlas of Australia.
Market size and proximity to market are important determinants of regional competitiveness for non-metropolitan regions of Australia. Generally larger markets allow firms to develop and benefit from economies of scale and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. A small residential population and low numbers of local businesses can reduce economic opportunities and limit business growth.