The following information provides an insight into the South Australian economy as well as specific data on the Electronics industry in South Australia.

South Australia

• Population of approximately 1.4 million (7.4% of the nations total population)
  
• Revenue generated per industry sector;

• Automotive $ 5.3 billion
  
• Food & beverage $ 4.9 billion
  
• Wine $ 3.0 billion
  
• Electronics industry $ 2.1 billion
  
• IT $ 1.5 billion

The electronics industry in South Australia
Greater than 15% of Australia's entire electronics industry is carried out in South Australia, a state which holds only 7.4% of the country's population. It is therefore understandable why its capital city Adelaide, is often referred to as the "Electronics hub of Australia."

The electronics industry in South Australia has been growing at a rate of 20% per annum. Exports are forecast to reach AUD $ 1 billion during 2005.

Industry composition:

• There are approximately 400 electronics companies in South Australia, made up as follows;

  • 80% are small companies employing less than 10 staff.
    

  • 17% are medium size companies employing 10 to 100 staff
    

  • 4% are large companies employing more than 100 staff

• These companies employ approximately 9000 people, with staff numbers growing at 9% each year over the past decade

• Productivity;

  • 7% of the gross state product (GSP)
    

  • Average productivity of $300,000.00 per employee
    

  • Export forecast at 1 billion

• Revenue growth of 20% over the last decade;

  • 1990 - $ 310 million
    

  • 1995 - $ 805 million
    

  • 2000 - $ 2.1 billion
    

  • 2005 - $ 3.0 billion