Background:
Pia serves as the Innovative Regions Facilitator for the Innovative Regions Centre in Western Australia.
The Innovative Regions Centre, which is headquartered in Geelong, works with businesses, researchers, communities and government in a collaborative way to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and encourage globally competitive regions.
Pia started her current role on 18 January 2010 and brings with her extensive experience in the legal, corporate, NFP and SME sectors. Pia holds a Bachelor Degree of Laws and a Bachelor Degree of Arts obtained from the University of NSW and has practiced as a solicitor in both WA and NSW. Her most recent role saw her as the WA State Manager for the Starlight Children's Foundation, prior to which Pia worked on business and strategy development for professional firms within the WA legal sector. She has in the past also been heavily involved in the retail and export trade sectors through operating her own companies.
As the Innovative Regions Facilitator in WA, Pia's focus is to develop and maintain close working relationships within the Enterprise Connect network including Enterprise Connect business advisors, and relevant organisations such as industry associations, State and Local Governments, research institutions and Federal Government agencies, with the aim of creating a culture of collaboration and building a strong support network for SMEs within the Perth/South West Corridor.
This process includes identifying and supporting region-specific strategies and projects to improve the local economies of this region. The Innovative Regions network also provides SMEs with assistance in advanced manufacturing practices, better business models, improved business capabilities and assists raising awareness of the flow of innovative information about new technologies, processes and ideas that help expand markets and create new jobs.
Qualifications:
Pia holds a Bachelor Degree of Laws and a Bachelor Degree of Arts obtained from the University of NSW and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the University of Technology Sydney. Pia has practiced as a solicitor in both WA and NSW. She also holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment.