Econovation was founded out of a recognition that the challenges faced by cities, regions and industries are becoming increasingly complex. After years of working in economic development and public policy, founder Andrew Wear observed a critical need for innovative, tailored strategies that not only address immediate economic concerns but also anticipate future opportunities.
This realisation led to the creation of Econovation - a firm dedicated to supporting communities and industries with high quality strategic analysis and advice.
Econovation’s story
Andrew Wear, Principal and Founder
Andrew Wear is an economic development strategist, author and public policy professional specialising in place-based growth, industry transition and the climate economy. As the founder of Econovation, he works with cities, regions and industries to respond to structural change and position for long-term economic opportunity.
Andrew was formerly City Economist and Director of Economic Development and International at the City of Melbourne, where he played a central role in shaping the city’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also held senior economic development roles with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and Regional Development Victoria.
He is a board member of BioMelbourne Network, the industry association for Victoria’s life sciences sector, and a member of the Advisory Boards for the OECD Global Forum on Local Economic Development and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria).
Andrew is the author of Solved: How other countries cracked the world’s biggest problems (and we can too) (2020) and Recovery: How we can create a better, brighter future after a crisis (2021), both of which have been translated into multiple languages.
Andrew holds degrees in politics, law, economics and public policy, and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
“The advice you provided to us to help navigate a one-in-a-century crisis was extraordinary. The policy work around economic stimulus was first-rate, world-class. We went into brave new territory, pioneering first-to-market, first-to-city, and first-to-the-world innovations in economic policymaking. The people and businesses of Melbourne owe you a great debt of gratitude.”