(February 21, 2023 – New York City, NY, USA & Sydney, NSW, Australia) – Economic Development Australia (EDA) and the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) announced today a partnership, which will support economic developers and municipal leaders in Australia and in Intelligent Communities around the world.

Through the partnership, EDA and ICF will exchange content, expertise, and communication resources with each other’s professional development and event programs and extend select benefits to each other’s members. On February 22-23, EDA joins ICF and the Economic Developers Association of Canada in hosting “Turning Connectivity into Growth” (www.icfsmart21.com), a two-day online conference that culminates with the announcement of ICF’s Smart21 Communities of 2023.

EDA is the national peak body for economic development professionals in Australia, building capacity, promoting excellence and providing leadership for their members. Established in 2007, EDA has over 1700 members across Australia.
“Our partnership with ICF will enrich the experience of EDA members through networking, sharing of ideas and professional development. ICF’s knowledge base will support EDA members pioneer new paths to economic and community development through digital technology for cities and regions across Australia,” said EDA CEO Jacqueline Brinkman.

A leading research, consulting, and training organization, ICF helps communities create innovative and growing economies, inclusive societies, and affirming cultures open to the world. Its work is based on 25 years of research with over 200 communities that have created a unique, data-driven approach to development that puts citizens first while tapping the enormous economic and social potential of technology. ICF delivers value through training and coaching programs, membership, networking community certification, events and awards.

“ICF looks forward to exploring the opportunities this new partnership offers,” said Robert Bell, co-founder of ICF. “Australia is already home to 12 Intelligent Communities recognized by ICF. ICF’s global network will benefit from deepening our relationships Down Under, and we expect EDA members to gain a broader international perspective on economic development from our work together.”

Contacts:
Jacqueline Brinkman
Economic Development Australia
Email: [email protected]
www.edaustralia.com.au

Matthew Owen
Intelligent Community Forum
Email: [email protected]
www.intelligentcommunity.org