Regional Research Program

NEW: Research information has evolved over 55 years - newsletter article Dec 2011 | Read more

The HVRF undertakes a unique, independent regional research program and a broad range of associated activities which support decision-making within business, all levels of government and the community. Most of our research findings are available to download free thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.

Our work is focussed on research outputs across three defined streams.

Economic research

Tools and products to monitor, evaluate and inform the community about the direction of the Region’s economy including areas such as: 

• Regional economic indicators for the Hunter, Upper Hunter and Central Coast regions
• Input-Output modelling for the Hunter Region
• Measures of housing affordability in the Hunter
• Innovation-related research
• Health economics
• Investment within the Hunter and Central Coast regions

Social and health focused research 

Tools and products to monitor, evaluate and inform about the socio-economic, demographic, health, lifestyle, cultural and environmental characteristics of the Region’s community including areas such as:

• Demographics
• Social and wellbeing indicators for the Hunter
• Environmental attitudes monitoring for the Hunter, Upper Hunter and Central Coast regions
• Use of information technology in Hunter, Upper Hunter and Central Coast businesses/households

Research methods & research support 

Ongoing development and application of research tools to collect robust and reliable survey data from defined populations (underpinning all our research) as well as our: 

• Library and public enquiry service