Kim Houghton

Dr Kim Houghton is an independent economist who has been researching regional economic development issues since 1997, helping hundreds of communities understand the challenges they face and work on solutions. Kim brings a practical ‘bottom up’ approach to economic development, based on nearly 30 years working with small and medium sized businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and business service providers. Kim is well known for his ability to ‘make data make sense’, demystifying data through telling entertaining and meaningful stories. 

Kim’s consulting company, Strategic Economic Solutions, helps communities respond to the economic challenges they face through understandable analysis and tailored small business development support. As well as consulting, Kim was Chief Economist at the Regional Australia Institute and the Council of Small Business Organisations. Kim continues to make voluntary contributions to regional development, and is currently a Director of the Country Universities Centres and Council member of the Australia New Zealand Regional Sciences Association.