Industry history

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Research and document the development, evolution and impact of an industry through rigorous historical research.

Every industry has a story. Historical research can uncover the people, organisations, technologies, innovations and events that shaped an industry over time. Industries do not develop in isolation. Political decisions, government regulation, economic conditions, technological innovation and broader social change all influence how industries emerge, evolve and operate. Industry history research seeks to understand these influences and their impact over time. An Industry history can reveal how industries developed, adapted to change and contributed to economic, social and community development, whether documenting the history of a profession, sector, technology, commercial activity or industry body.

Industry types

Michael undertakes research relating to:

Media and communications
Agriculture
Transport and logistics
Manufacturing
Retail and commerce
Mining and resources
Tourism and hospitality
Professional services
Health and community services
Education and training
Emerging industries and technologies

Typical research sources

Research may include the following sources depending on the nature of the project:

Industry publications
Historical newspapers
Government reports and inquiries
Regulatory records
Legislation and policy documents
Annual reports
Trade journals
Corporate archives
Professional association records
Oral history interviews
Statistical and economic data
Photographs and audiovisual materials

Research questions and deliverables

Every historical research project begins with a question. The nature of the question influences the scope of the research and the final deliverable, for example:

The final deliverable will depend on the research question, availability of historical evidence and client objectives.

Case studies

The following case studies illustrate how historical research can help answer specific questions and produce deliverables tailored to client needs.

Why commission an Industry history?

Industry histories can:

Preserve important industry knowledge.
Document innovation, change and development.
Recognise the contribution of organisations and individuals.
Explain the influence of political, regulatory, economic, technological and social developments.
Support anniversary and commemorative projects.
Strengthen understanding of industry heritage.
Create a lasting historical record for future generations.

Ready to explore the history of an industry?

Complete the Contact Form to discuss your project.

Industry types

A regional agricultural association wishes to develop educational resources which explain the historical development of the wool industry within its region. The association hopes to increase public understanding of the industry's contribution to local communities and the regional economy.

The association's fundamental research question is "What are the key dates, milestones and developments in the history of the regional wool industry?"

The association receives an Industry Timeline. This includes significant dates relating to the establishment of the industry, technological developments, major businesses, economic changes and other important milestones. The timeline is supported by photographs, newspaper articles and documentary sources and can be used in educational resources, displays, presentations, websites and social media content.

A professional association wishes to better understand the historical development of its profession and the factors that have influenced professional practice over time. The association is particularly interested in understanding how regulation, technological change and shifting community expectations have shaped the profession's development.

The association's fundamental research question is "How have political, regulatory, economic, technological and social developments shaped our profession from its origins to the present day?"

The association receives an Industry Change and Development Report. This includes a historical timeline, written industry history, analysis of major developments and turning points, documentary evidence, profiles of significant organisations and individuals, and a detailed reference list of sources which underpin the research.

A mutual banking organisation wishes to document the history of Australian building societies and their contribution to home ownership, savings and community finance. The organisation believes the role building societies played in helping generations of Australians purchase homes is not widely understood and wishes to preserve this important aspect of Australian financial history.

The organisation's fundamental research question is "What is the complete history of Australian building societies and how have political, regulatory, economic, technological and social developments shaped their evolution over time?"

The organisation receives an Industry History Book or Monograph. This includes a comprehensive written history of Australian building societies, historical timelines, photographs, archival material, profiles of significant organisations and individuals, analysis of major regulatory reforms, economic developments, technological change and industry consolidation, and a detailed reference list of sources which underpin the research. The completed work is published as a professionally designed book or monograph which preserves the history of the sector and contributes to a greater understanding of its role in Australian society.

Typical research sources

Research questions and deliverables

Case studies

Why commission an Industry history?