Beth Webster

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Beth Webster is a leading economist who joined the Melbourne Institute in 2024 as Director and Ronald Henderson Professor. Her research on intellectual property, firm performance, and innovation has significantly influenced policy and academic understanding. Her work is widely published in top journals, and she frequently advises policymakers. With a PhD from Cambridge, she's an expert in innovation economics and industrial policy.

A Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, she recently established a research cluster focused on understanding real firm behaviour to optimise innovation and encourage a more productive society.

Professor Webster is committed to mentoring early-career researchers and promoting diversity in economics. Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the Distinguished Fellow Award from the Economic Society of Australia. Her ongoing work continues to shape understanding of innovation ecosystems and inform policy decisions in Australia and internationally.

Experience

  • 2015–present
    Professor, Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University
  • 2010–2014
    Professorial Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
  • 2008–2014
    Director, Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia
  • 2004–2009
    Principal Reseaarch Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
  • 2002–2008
    Associate Director, Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia
  • 1999–2004
    Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
  • 1996–1999
    Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
  • 1991–1993
    Senior Research Manager, Bureau of Immigration and Population Research, Australian Public Service
  • 1985–1990
    Research Economist, Department of Labour, Victorian Public Service
  • 1983–1984
    Research Fellow, Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research
  • 1983–1983
    Research Assistant, Centre for Policy Studies, Monash University
  • 1980–1982
    Tutor, Department of Economics, Monash University

Education

  • 1996 
    University of Cambridge, Doctor of Philosophy
  • 1983 
    Monash University, Master of Economics
  • 1979 
    Monash University, Bachelor of Economics (hons)

Contact Beth for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision