Stage one of an update of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's economic development strategy called Bay of Connections is complete.

It is almost three years since the strategy was launched, and the council's group manager technology and economic development, Miles McConway, says it is essential the strategy reflect the changing environment.

'Our world has changed significantly in the past few years so it's vital that our regional economic strategy changes and evolves with it,” says Miles.

'Stage one of the update has been completed – an economic and industry profile, and survey of what has changed and what is working.

'The survey also provided a new regional economic development strategy framework to support the Bay of Connections in identifying actions, generating outputs and delivering outcomes to grow the region's economy.”

He says the regional forum held last week was an opportunity for the Bay of Connections governance group to share the draft strategy and action plan with interested partners from industry, central and local government, and science and education providers.

The forum sessions covered where the region wanted to go, reviewing the vision, goal and examining the ‘megatrends' likely to affect the Bay of Plenty.

Participants looked at the area's competitive advantages and opportunities and were asked to prioritise their top seven export-focused sectors.

'Participants endorsed the current Bay of Connections strategy, felt it was on the right track, and focused on the right sectors. They supported the collaborative approach.

'The strategy has 13 key sectors that as a region we need to further develop and strengthen if we are to prosper.

'Some sectors are established, while others like niche manufacturing (especially titanium) and aquaculture are emerging.

'Work is currently underway with energy, forestry, transport and logistics, aquaculture, marine and information and communications technology.”

The revised strategy is due to be published in late November.