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This report explores patterns of regional economic growth in Australia over the period 1984 to 2002 with the aim of identifying the drivers of variation in regional growth; the research also aimed to identify regional opportunities and the policies and practices that can assist in realising them, in particular, the contribution the vocational education and training (VET) sector may make towards regional growth. The research found that human capital, especially 'enterprising' human capital, whereby individuals take responsibility for action, is the key driver of regional growth. Other drivers include access to high technology, greater industry specialisation and less government intervention. The VET sector's size and significant presence in the regions makes it ideally placed to play a key role in regional growth by developing entrprising skills, knowledge and cultures and using its connections with business to establish regional coalitions.