Foundations for industrial rejuvenation: lessons from international and national experience

Drawing on a body of research examining the economic and social effects of downturns and major manufacturing plant closures in Australia and South Australia in particular, this chapter investigates how industrial rejuvenation strategies can help to minimise the negative impacts on the workforce and supply chains affected. The chapter identifies key lessons from the national and international literature on industrial rejuvenation and the management of major closures. Industrial rejuvenation is a multi-faceted strategy that seeks to manage pressures and complex change in response to local, national, and global conditions. The chapter focuses on the evidence about the strategic options for industrial rejuvenation available to government in partnership with industry, trade union, and community stakeholders. The chapter concludes by drawing out some broad strategic implications for the design of more integrated rejuvenation and regeneration policies.John Spoeh