Bringing together research, policy and practice to build a fairer economy and a more resilient democracy.
The Ultimo Institute is a public, non-partisan institute based at the University of Technology Sydney that brings together researchers, policymakers, business leaders and community voices to tackle some of Australia's most pressing economic and democratic challenges. Drawing on cross-disciplinary expertise from across business, law, economics, public policy, social sciences, design and transdisciplinary studies, we create a space where research, policy and practice come together to generate new ideas and inform action.
Creating a more just, inclusive and democratic society means moving beyond analysis to generate the evidence, partnerships and ideas needed to drive meaningful change. Working at the intersection of research, policy, civic debate and real-world practice, the Ultimo Institute brings together diverse stakeholders – including business, government, unions, civil society organisations and young people – to better understand the economic, social and democratic forces shaping people's lives and identify pathways towards fairer and more inclusive futures.
The future of democracy depends not only on how we govern, but on how we create opportunity, build trust and share prosperity. When these foundations are weakened, so too is our capacity to address the challenges we face together. Our challenge is not simply to understand these dynamics, but to develop practical responses that strengthen both our economy and our democracy.
Professor Carl Rhodes
Ultimo Institute Director
A defining feature of the Institute's work is our commitment to engaging young people in conversations about Australia's future. We believe that addressing long-term economic and democratic challenges requires the voices of those who will inherit them, as well as those responsible for shaping them today. By creating opportunities for young people to contribute their ideas, experiences and aspirations, we aim to strengthen public debate, inform decision-making and support more forward-looking approaches to policy and practice.
Our focus areas
At the heart of our work are four interconnected priorities: economic justice, financial inclusion, intergenerational equity and democratic resilience. Through our work, the Institute seeks to generate knowledge that informs public debate, shapes policy and practice, builds the capability of leaders and organisations, and supports the development of more equitable, inclusive and resilient societies – where prosperity, opportunity and democratic participation are shared across generations.
Economic justice
Understanding and advancing the policies, institutions and business practices that shape how economic value, opportunity and risk are distributed across society, and how these can contribute to reducing inequality and improving wellbeing.
This includes:
- How economic systems distribute value, power and risk
- Why inequality persists and how it can be reduced
- Pathways toward fairer, more inclusive economic outcomes
Financial inclusion
Examining the barriers that prevent individuals and communities – particularly those historically excluded – from participating fully in economic life, and identifying pathways to greater financial access, capability and security.
This includes:
- Who is excluded from financial systems – and why
- Access to safe, fair and useful financial services
- The role of finance in resilience, not just growth
Intergenerational equity
Understanding how today's economic, political and business decisions shape the opportunities and wellbeing of future generations, and identifying approaches that promote fairness across generations.
This includes:
- How today’s choices affect future opportunity
- The uneven transfer of economic and social risk to younger generations
- Embedding long‑term thinking in economic and policy decisions
Democratic resilience
Understanding the conditions that support healthy democratic institutions, civic participation and social cohesion, and exploring how businesses and other institutions can strengthen democratic culture in the face of rising authoritarianism, polarisation and exclusionary populism.
This includes:
- Trust, participation and legitimacy in democratic institutions
- Responding to disengagement, polarisation and misinformation
- Creating more inclusive forms of participation and dialogue
Connect with us
Interested in working with us on ideas that matter?