Rachel Parker's research field is technology innovation systems and she has a discipline background in policy, governance and strategy.
Rachel has twenty years experience in higher education research leadership as Director Higher Degree Research Studies (UQ, 2003-2006), Associate Dean Research (QUT, 2009-2018), Dean Research Development (QUT 2014-2015), Director Centre for METS Business Innovation (QUT, 2017-2020) and most recently as Executive Director, Research Translation and Impact (UQ, 2022-2023). She has worked closely with State and Federal governments as an advisor on technology and innovation policy, research impact and university-industry research collaboration.
Rachel's research focuses on the business and social dimensions of uptake and diffusion of science and engineering research across the economy and the creation of new economic opportunities from new technologies. She is Leader of the Industry Translation Capability and Chief Investigator in the recently awarded ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology. She was the inaugral Director Centre for Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) Business Innovation (QUT 2017-2020), funded by Queensland Government, Mining 3 and with major projects funded by CRCOre. She has led large-scale multi-disciplinary partnerships including ARC, CRC and commercial research. She has been a Lead Chief Investigator on three ARC Discovery Projects and a Chief Investigator on four ARC Linkage Projects and the Centre of Excellence in Creative Industries and Innovation.
Rachel was a member of the social sciences panel of the ARC Research Engagement and Impact assessment exercise, she was an invited expert witness before the Senate Economic References Committee inquiry into Australia’s innovation system, she was a member of the economic impact panel of the ATN/GO8 research impact assessment trial. Rachel has worked as an advisor on knowledge transfer activities for several public organisations and her leadership roles have involved the development of impact pathways including the coordination, design and delivery of collaborations with industry and government to maximise industry awareness of emerging industrial opportunities as well as the barriers and drivers of technology adoption and industry development.
Her publications appear in leading international journals in the field including Economic Geography, Sociology, Regional Studies, Industrial and Corporate Change, Environment and Planning A, Organization Studies, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and Work, Employment and Society. In addition to academic publications, her research on industrial innovation has been published in the Australia Higher Education Supplement and The Conversation. In 2005, Rachel received a Vice Chancellor Foundation Research Excellence Award.
Journal Article: Overcoming barriers to knowledge co-production in academic–practitioner research collaboration
McCabe, Angela, Parker, Rachel, Osegowitsch, Tom and Cox, Stephen (2023). Overcoming barriers to knowledge co-production in academic–practitioner research collaboration. European Management Journal, 41 (2), 212-222. doi: 10.1016/j.emj.2021.11.009
Gruenhagen, Jan Henrik, Cox, Stephen and Parker, Rachel (2022). An actor-oriented perspective on innovation systems: functional analysis of drivers and barriers to innovation and technology adoption in the mining sector. Technology in Society, 68 101920, 101920. doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.101920
Journal Article: The role of universities in Transformative Innovation Policy
Parker, Rachel and Lundgren, Petra (2021). The role of universities in Transformative Innovation Policy. Science and Public Policy, 49 (2), 159-167. doi: 10.1093/scipol/scab070
(2020–2027) Macquarie University
(2006–2008) ARC Linkage Projects
(2005–2006) UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
The processes and factors of innovation and regeneration in peripheral regions
(2009) Doctor Philosophy
The role of universities in regional innovation in Australia
(2004) Doctor Philosophy
The Political and the Personal: Cuba's health Outcomes and the Social Relations Underlying Them
(2008) Doctor Philosophy
Boreham, Paul R., Parker, R., Thompson, P. and Hall, R. (2008). New technology @ work. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780203647004
Government, Business and Society
Parker, R. L. Government, Business and Society 2nd ed. Frenches Forest NSW: Pearson Education Australia, 2003.
What next? Future directions for R&D investment
Kraatz, Judy A., Hampson, Keith D., Parker, Rachel L. and Roos, Göran (2014). What next? Future directions for R&D investment. R and D Investment and Impact in the Global Construction Industry. (pp. 284-309) London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315774916
Parker, Rachel (2007). Innovative methodologies in enterprise research: tackling the question of the role of the state from a macro and micro perspective. Innovative Methodologies in Enterprise Research. (pp. 303-317) edited by Damian Hine and David Carson. Chelfenham, Glos, United Kingdoms: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Australia's social system of production
Parker, R. L. (2001). Australia's social system of production. In G. Dow and R. Parker (Ed.), Business, Work, and Community: Into the New Millennium (pp. 20-37) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Australian trends and prospects
Dow, G. and Parker, R. L. (2001). Australian trends and prospects. In G. Dow and R. Parker (Ed.), Business, Work, and Community: Into the New Millennium (pp. 246-264) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Technology, globalisation, and the re-emergence of market ideology
Dow, G. and Parker, R. L. (2001). Technology, globalisation, and the re-emergence of market ideology. In G. Dow and R. Parker (Ed.), Business, Work, and Community: Into the New Millennium (pp. 3-19) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Overcoming barriers to knowledge co-production in academic–practitioner research collaboration
McCabe, Angela, Parker, Rachel, Osegowitsch, Tom and Cox, Stephen (2023). Overcoming barriers to knowledge co-production in academic–practitioner research collaboration. European Management Journal, 41 (2), 212-222. doi: 10.1016/j.emj.2021.11.009
Gruenhagen, Jan Henrik, Cox, Stephen and Parker, Rachel (2022). An actor-oriented perspective on innovation systems: functional analysis of drivers and barriers to innovation and technology adoption in the mining sector. Technology in Society, 68 101920, 101920. doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.101920
The role of universities in Transformative Innovation Policy
Parker, Rachel and Lundgren, Petra (2021). The role of universities in Transformative Innovation Policy. Science and Public Policy, 49 (2), 159-167. doi: 10.1093/scipol/scab070
Gruenhagen, Jan Henrik, Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2021). Technology diffusion and firm agency from a technological innovation systems perspective: a case study of fatigue monitoring in the mining industry. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 62 101655, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jengtecman.2021.101655
Coordination and legitimacy in the Australian biofuels innovation system 1979 - 2017
Cox, Stephen, Parker, Rachel, O'Hara, Ian and Sinclair, Stephen (2021). Coordination and legitimacy in the Australian biofuels innovation system 1979 - 2017. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 38, 54-67. doi: 10.1016/j.eist.2020.11.004
McCabe, Angela, Osegowitsch, Tom, Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2021). Knowledge co-production in academic-practitioner research collaboration: an expanded perspective on power. Management Learning, 52 (5), 1-26. doi: 10.1177/1350507620988431
The state and the extractive industries in Australia: growth for whose benefit?
Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2020). The state and the extractive industries in Australia: growth for whose benefit?. The Extractive Industries and Society, 7 (2), 621-627. doi: 10.1016/j.exis.2020.02.001
Gruenhagen, Jan Henrik and Parker, Rachel (2020). Factors driving or impeding the diffusion and adoption of innovation in mining: a systematic review of the literature. Resources Policy, 65 101540, 101540. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101540
Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2018). How the globalisation and financialisation of mining Majors affects linkage development with local engineering and technology suppliers in the Queensland resources industry. Resources Policy, 58, 125-130. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2018.04.002
Financialization and value-based control: lessons from the Australian mining supply chain
Parker, Rachel, Cox, Stephen and Thompson, Paul (2018). Financialization and value-based control: lessons from the Australian mining supply chain. Economic Geography, 94 (1), 49-67. doi: 10.1080/00130095.2017.1330118
Parker, Rachel, Cox, Stephen and Thompson, Paul (2017). The dynamics of global visual effects and games development industries: lessons for Australia’s creative industries development policy. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 23 (4), 395-414. doi: 10.1080/10286632.2015.1064118
Verreynne, Martie-Louise, Hine, Damian, Coote, Len and Parker, Rachel (2016). Building a scale for dynamic learning capabilities: the role of resources, learning, competitive intent and routine patterning. Journal of Business Research, 69 (10), 4287-4303. doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.04.003
The ceiling to coproduction in university–industry research collaboration
McCabe, Angela, Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2016). The ceiling to coproduction in university–industry research collaboration. Higher Education Research and Development, 35 (3), 560-574. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2015.1107888
Interrogating creative theory and creative work: inside the games studio
Thompson, Paul, Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2016). Interrogating creative theory and creative work: inside the games studio. Sociology, 50 (2), 316-332. doi: 10.1177/0038038514565836
Sawang, Sukanlaya, Parker, Rachel and Hine, Damian (2014). How small business advisory program delivery methods (collective learning, tailored, and practice-based approaches) affect learning and innovation. Journal of Small Business Management, 54 (1), 244-261. doi: 10.1111/jsbm.12142
Parker, Rachel, Cox, Stephen and Thompson, Paul (2014). How technological change affects power relations in global markets: remote developers in the console and mobile games industry. Environment and Planning A, 46 (1), 168-185. doi: 10.1068/a45663
Deconstructing and reconstructing the capability hierarchy
Hine, Damian, Parker, Rachel, Pregelj, Lisette and Verreynne, Martie-Louise (2013). Deconstructing and reconstructing the capability hierarchy. Industrial and Corporate Change, 23 (5), 1299-1325. doi: 10.1093/icc/dtt046
The role of knowledge intermediaries in developing firm learning capabilities
Parker, Rachel and Hine, Damian (2013). The role of knowledge intermediaries in developing firm learning capabilities. European Planning Studies, 22 (5), 1048-1061. doi: 10.1080/09654313.2012.758688
Enterprise policy and the metagovernance of firm capabilities
Parker, Rachel and Hine, Damian (2013). Enterprise policy and the metagovernance of firm capabilities. Administration and Society, 47 (6), 656-679. doi: 10.1177/0095399712473982
Parker, Rachel and Cox, Stephen (2013). Power relations and small and medium-sized enterprise strategies for capturing value in global production networks: visual effects (VFX) in the Hollywood film industry. Regional Studies, 47 (7), 1095-1110. doi: 10.1080/00343404.2011.600303
Learning in and beyond small business advisory programmes
Parker, Rachel Louise and Hine, Damian (2012). Learning in and beyond small business advisory programmes. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 31 (2), 223-235. doi: 10.1080/02601370.2012.663797
Mccabe, Angela, Parker, Rachel and Brown, Kerry (2011). Social outcomes in the construction industry: The case of the Western Australian 'percent for art' policy. Construction Management and Economics, 29 (9), 929-941. doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.605794
Evolution and change in industrial clusters: An analysis of Hsinchu and Sophia Antipolis
Parker, Rachel (2010). Evolution and change in industrial clusters: An analysis of Hsinchu and Sophia Antipolis. European Urban and Regional Studies, 17 (3), 245-260. doi: 10.1177/0969776409358244
The knowledge exchange intermediary as service provider: a discussion and an Australian case
Hine, Damian Charles, Parker, Rachel and Ireland, David (2010). The knowledge exchange intermediary as service provider: a discussion and an Australian case. Service Industries Journal, 30 (5), 713-729. doi: 10.1080/02642060802253892
A learning community approach to doctoral education in the social sciences
Parker, Rachel (2009). A learning community approach to doctoral education in the social sciences. Teaching in Higher Education, 14 (1), 43-54. doi: 10.1080/13562510802602533
Governance and the entrepreneurial economy: A comparative analysis of three regions
Parker, Rachel (2008). Governance and the entrepreneurial economy: A comparative analysis of three regions. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 32 (5), 833-854. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2008.00258.x
Parker, Rachel and Parenta, Oleg (2008). Explaining contradictions in film and television industry policy: Ideas and incremental policy change through layering and drift. Media, Culture and Society, 30 (5), 609-622. doi: 10.1177/0163443708094011
Parker, Rachel (2007). Networked governance or just networks? Local governance of the knowledge economy in Limerick (Ireland) and Karlskrona (Sweden). Political Studies, 55 (1), 113-132. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2007.00624.x
Bradley, L. and Parker, R. (2006). Do Australian public sector employees have the type of culture they want in the era of new public management?. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 65 (1), 89-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2006.00474a.x
Small business and entrepreneurship in the knowledge economy: A comparison of Australia and Sweden
Parker, Rachel (2006). Small business and entrepreneurship in the knowledge economy: A comparison of Australia and Sweden. New Political Economy, 11 (2), 201-226. doi: 10.1080/13563460600655573
Parker, Rachel and Tamaschke, Louise (2005). Explaining regional departures from national patterns of industry specialization: Regional institutions, policies and state coordination. Organization Studies, 26 (12), 1787-1807. doi: 10.1177/0170840605059157
Parker, Rachel (2004). Foundations of technology development, innovation and competitiveness in the globalised knowledge economy. Prometheus, 22 (3), 293-307. doi: 10.1080/0810902042000255732
Bureaucracy or post-bureaucracy? Public sector organisations in a changing context
Parker, R. L. and Bradley, L. (2004). Bureaucracy or post-bureaucracy? Public sector organisations in a changing context. The Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, 26 (2), 197-215. doi: 10.1080/23276665.2004.10779293
Explaining variations in the knowledge economy in three small wealthy countries
Parker, Rachel (2004). Explaining variations in the knowledge economy in three small wealthy countries. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 16 (3), 343-366. doi: 10.1080/0953732042000251133
Parker, Rachel (2002). Coordination and competition in small business policy: A comparative analysis of Australia and Denmark. Journal of Economic Issues, 36 (4), 935-952. doi: 10.1080/00213624.2002.11506530
Public sector change in Australia: Are managers' ideals being realized?
Bradley, Lisa and Parker, Rachel (2001) Public sector change in Australia: Are managers' ideals being realized?. Public Personnel Management, 30 3: 349-361.
The myth of the entrepreneurial economy: Employment and innovation in small firms
Parker, Rachel (2001). The myth of the entrepreneurial economy: Employment and innovation in small firms. Work Employment And Society, 15 (2), 373-384. doi: 10.1017/S0950017001000204
New modes of service delivery in the public sector – Commercialising government services
Brown K., Ryan N. and Parker R. (2000). New modes of service delivery in the public sector – Commercialising government services. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 13 (3), 206-221. doi: 10.1108/09513550010345955
Organisational culture in the public sector: evidence from six organisations
Parker, Rachel and Bradley, Lisa (2000). Organisational culture in the public sector: evidence from six organisations. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 13 (2), 125-141. doi: 10.1108/09513550010338773
Drivers and outcomes of the new public management in three public sector agencies
Parker, Rachel L., Ryan, Neal F. and Brown, Kerry A. (2000). Drivers and outcomes of the new public management in three public sector agencies. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business & Government, 6 (2), 5-14.
Industrial transformation in Austria, Norway and Sweden
Parker, Rachel (2000) Industrial transformation in Austria, Norway and Sweden. Industry and Innovation, 7 2: 145-168. doi:10.1080/713670254
Parker, Rachel (2000) Small is not necessarily beautiful: An evaluation of policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Australia. Australian Journal of Political Science, 35 2: 239-253. doi:10.1080/713649330
Parker, Rachel (1999). From national champions to small and medium sized enterprises: Changing policy emphasis in France, Germany and Sweden. Journal of Public Policy, 19 (1), 63-89. doi: 10.1017/S0143814X99000185
Industry policy is not a riddle: A comment on Jenny Stewart
Parker, Rachel (1997). Industry policy is not a riddle: A comment on Jenny Stewart. Australian Journal of Political Science, 32 (1), 111-120. doi: 10.1080/10361149751039
Modelling the changing perspectives of capability building in small firms
Hine, Damian, Parker, Rachel and Verreynne, Martie-Louise (2011). Modelling the changing perspectives of capability building in small firms. The 56th Annual ICSB World Conference (ICSB 2011), Stockholm, Sweden, 15-18 June 2011. Washington, DC, United States: International Council for Small Business (ICSB).
Parker, R. L. (2005). Governing Knowledge activities: The implications of network forms of governance for learning and innovation in Limerick and Karlskrona. In: EGOS Conference. EGOS Conference, Berlin, (). 30 June to 2 July 2005.
Parker, R. (2003). Comparing the conditions for small business and entrepreneurship in Sweden and Australia: Lessons for the European Charter for Small Enterprises. In: SNEE Conference Mölle 2003: European integration in Swedish Economic research, Molle, Sweden, (). 20-23 March, 2003.
Knowledge intensive activities in Australia, Denmark and Sweden
Parker, R. L. (2003). Knowledge intensive activities in Australia, Denmark and Sweden. In: SASE Conference, Aix-en-Provence, France, (). 26-28 June 2003.
The science, technology and industry infrastructure of small knowledge intensive firms
Parker, R. L. (2003). The science, technology and industry infrastructure of small knowledge intensive firms. In: A. Gambardella and A. Grando, Managing Through Variety: The European Style. Managing Through Variety: The European Style, Milan, Italy, (1-20). 5-7 April 2003.
Organisational culture in the Queensland public sector: Bureaucracy or post-bureaucracy
Parker, R. L. (2001). Organisational culture in the Queensland public sector: Bureaucracy or post-bureaucracy. In: T. Arklay and A. Gash, Australasian Political Studies Association 2001 Conference. 43rd Conference of the Australasian Political Studies Association, Brisbane, (). 24-26 September 2001.
(2020–2027) Macquarie University
(2006–2008) ARC Linkage Projects
(2005–2006) UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
Public Research Institutions, Policy Frameworks and Biotechnology Innovation
(2004–2005) UQ FirstLink Scheme
(2003–2005) ARC Discovery Projects
(2002) ARC Discovery Projects
(2001) UQ Early Career Researcher
The processes and factors of innovation and regeneration in peripheral regions
(2009) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
The role of universities in regional innovation in Australia
(2004) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
The Political and the Personal: Cuba's health Outcomes and the Social Relations Underlying Them
(2008) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors: