A literature review informed the scope of the demand market research within the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan/Redlands, Gold Coast and Brisbane areas.

Several demand streams were identified from the 2011 Census data including:

1. Commuters – main employment outside of region they live in (esp. Brisbane metro). The data was further broken down into public / private sector workers and people who worked from home.
2. Residents in region (LGA) who might find working in a Digital Work Hub appealing, including people who work from home. All 476 occupations are assessed and classified into high, medium and low potential, based on the following criteria (each rated 1-5):
   • The extent to which the occupation has flexibility in work location;
   • The extent to which the occupation can be classified as a knowledge worker;
   • The extent to which there is a requirement of interactivity with co-workers from the same organisation.

High potential is defined as an occupation with a score of 13 or more; medium potential from 10-12; and low potential less than 10.

1. Business visitors – including domestic and international overnight visitors to each region.

Click on the commuter maps to view in more detail

Interviews (June)

The second component comprised 45 interviews across the key potential target groups (employees/employers and self-employed people) to help understand the attitudes, opportunities and barriers of using Digital Work Hubs across the region.

1. 24 in-depth interviews with targeted employees/contractors/consultants in the high-medium potential groups across each RDA area.
   • LGA residents who live and work in their LGA;
   • LGA residents who commute to work in the Brisbane metro area.
2. 20 in-depth interviews with employers (spread throughout the study area, with a focus on Brisbane metro) who employ high-medium potential target groups.

Read the Demand Research Stage 2 – Interview summary report.

Economic modelling (September)

An economic impact analysis establishing the flow-on benefits to the local region including:

• Savings and productivity improvements to the economy and regional development;
• Transport savings;
• Social impact on family and careers;
• Greenhouse gas emissions;
• Community – time savings and participation in community activities;
• Direct and indirect contributions in terms of value add and employment.