FDI's Role
FDI has two roles: to ensure that Australians recognise they are part of a two-ocean continent and that West Australians see themselves belonging to a dynamic, national entity in a developing region of the world.
Much of Australia’s external focus has centred on the Pacific, Southeast and Eastern Asia. With its developing wealth, increasing population, evolving trade and shipping capabilities and expanding geographic, political and security significance, however, the Indian Ocean and its littoral states will play an increasingly important role in Australia’s future.
Western Australia is entering an unprecedented period of wealth and development. For this to be sustained, however, West Australians need to understand the challenges and opportunities they face, nationally, regionally and globally.
To achieve these outcomes, leaders and their policy makers and implementers need to be aware of the geo-strategic complexities of their region.
With this in mind, FDI has established four areas of research that embrace the following:
- Developments in the Indian Ocean Region
- Australia’s energy security
- Future directions for Northern Australia
- Australia’s role in solving future global food and water crises
FDI will ensure that its product is passed to an increasing number of Associates who will benefit from its future looking research. In so doing, FDI will establish itself as an Australian centre of excellence in these four areas.
