Focus area 2: Ensure regulatory planning and other mechanisms support business, innovation and productivity growth

​Innovation needs a business-friendly, supportive environment. It requires strong connections between the individuals and organisations involved in developing new and improved products, services, processes and markets.

Although most innovation occurs in business, a range of other organisations have knowledge, skills, ideas and technology that can improve the chances of innovation being successful, or help a business avoid wasting resources in the process. They include:

• universities and research institutes
• innovation hubs
• government agencies
• industry associations
• financiers.

For example, a dynamic creative sector can be an incubator for future entrepreneurs and innovators. Or research and development, when coupled with the commercialisation of ideas, can significantly increase the success of an innovative product.

We can also accelerate the uptake of innovation that supports a climate-resilient and regenerative economy.

Read more about Tataki Auckland Unlimited’s innovation hubs.

Environment for business innovation

How this can be done

Regulatory and policy settings need to promote innovation and help business. Regulatory processes should see rules applied consistently, without distracting innovative enterprise with unnecessary time and costs.

Auckland Council can enable economic development through regulation, such as:

• planning and zoning rules, particularly for business use
• consenting processes that are fast, pragmatic and fit-for-purpose
• informing consultation processes for significant investment
• simplifying and standardising bylaws and permits
• ensuring infrastructure is adequately funded and financed.

Read more about our regulatory support for businesses in the Economic Development Action Plan.

Laws and regulations regarding copyright, intellectual property rights, and transport regulation should all contribute to a socially responsible and innovation-friendly business environment.

The Future Development Strategy addresses the supply of business land and supporting infrastructure as one means of enabling innovative businesses to set up and benefit from co-location.

On the other hand, some digital industries and many start-ups can operate successfully anywhere. We must be sure that development and regulation supports both approaches.

Related information

• Impact of new technology
• The Tripartite Economic Alliance
• The importance of soft skills
• Educational achievement of Auckland's children and young people
• Why lifting productivity is important
• Groups that experience poor education and employment outcomes
• Māori and Pasifika Trades Training programme.