CEDA – the Committee for Economic Development of Australia – is an independent, membership-based think tank.
CEDA’s purpose is to achieve sustainable long-term prosperity for all Australians.
For more than 60 years, CEDA has identified the policy issues that matter for Australia’s future and pursued solutions that deliver better economic and social outcomes.
Through independent research and frank debate, we influence policy and collaborate to disrupt for good.
IMPACT AREAS
We aim to influence future economic, social and environmental policy to enable:
- More Australian businesses and sectors at the forefront of global productivity
- Australia to be a leading economy in decarbonisation and climate adaption
- Greater economic and social participation by all Australians
- World class and sustainable human services
- Australia to be a top performer in the use of data, digital and emerging technologies.
Led by Chairman Diane Smith-Gander AO and Chief Executive Melinda Cilento, CEDA carries on the legacy of renowned economist Sir Douglas Copland, who founded CEDA in 1960. His work in applying economic analysis to practical problems to aid the development of Australia continues to drive our purpose today.
OuR COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION
CEDA's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in July 2022.
The Reflect RAP marks an important step in CEDA’s journey to support the achievement of a just, equitable and reconciled Australia and demonstrates the commitments and ambition of the CEDA team in advancing reconciliation for the benefit of all Australians.
Most importantly, the RAP demonstrates CEDA’s firmly held belief that building better relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will contribute positively to Australia’s economic and social prosperity.
Our story
Founded in 1960, CEDA owes its existence to Sir Douglas Copland, one of the great figures in Australian economic policy and education.
Our values
CEDA’s values shape our strategy, priorities and the way we work.
Our people
CEDA’s board and leadership team have deep expertise and experience across public policy, business, the community sector and academia.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
The concept for CEDA was based on US think tank the Committee for Economic Development (CED). Today, CEDA's reach goes beyond Australia as a member of an international network of counterpart organisations.
CEDA uses these international affiliations to inform our agenda and provide international perspectives and knowledge to our members. Member organisations of the international network of counterpart organisations include:
| Australia | Committee for Economic Development of Australia |
| China | Institute for Reform and Development |
| Finland | Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA) |
| France | Institut de l'Entreprise |
| Germany | Centre for Economic Studies - IFO Institute |
| Japan | Keizai Doyukai |
| Latin America | Consejo Empresario de América Latina |
| Portugal | Forum de Administradores de Empresas |
| South Africa | National Business Initiative |
| Spain | Círculo de Empresarios |
| The Netherlands | SMO Society and Enterprise Foundation |
| United States | Committee for Economic Development |
World Competitiveness Yearbook
In addition to the international network of counterpart organisations, CEDA is also the Australian partner for the Switzerland-based IMD World Competitiveness Center's annual World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Released annually, it compares and ranks over 60 countries on a range of business competitiveness criteria.