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 strategist, author and public policy professional with deep expertise in economic development, industry growth and public policy. As the founder of Econovation, he works with cities, regions and industries to navigate economic change and unlock new opportunities.
Formerly a senior public servant, Andrew was until recently City Economist and Director, Economic Development and International at the City of Melbourne, where he played a key role shaping Melbourne’s response to the pandemic. Andrew has also held senior economic development roles at the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and Regional Development Victoria.
Andrew’s expertise is recognised internationally. He collaborates regularly with the OECD Local Development Forum and the World Economic Forum. He is also 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 books have garnered international attention and have been translated into multiple languages.
His work appears in peer-reviewed journals as well as in The Guardian, the Australian Financial Review, The Saturday Paper and other publications. A seasoned public speaker and media performer, Andrew has appeared a number of times on The Drum (ABC TV) and on various radio programs, including ABC’s Conversations and Big Ideas. He is also a TED speaker, delivering a TED Talk in Scotland on how to turn a crisis into an opportunity.
Andrew has 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. A Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria), he is also a director of the BioMelbourne Network (an industry association for organisations engaged in health technologies) and a member of the Victoria/Tasmania Advisory Council for CEDA - the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.
“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.”