Patrice Braun

Prof Patrice Braun, is a internationally known for her work on  matters related to economic for women empowerment. Dr Patrice is the Director of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Women & Technology (APCWT), one of ten globally networked centres to mainstream women in the knowledge economy. She also holds an Adjunct Professorship in Research and Innovation with Federation University Australia. Prior to her Professorial appointment, Patrice was the Director of the Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (CRIC) leading research teams and projects ranging from sustainability and e-health to behavioural economics, strengthening regional well-being and social connectedness.

Dr Braun is an Action Researcher with a PhD in regional network development underpinned by ICT and a Masters by Research on the use of the Internet for community learning. Action Research has listening at its core and Patrice is known for her work with rather than on people to achieve engagement, collective learning and action-oriented outcomes. Her global research and consultancy work in regional futures and ICT-enabled development focuses on gender equity and includes the weaving of technology with sustainable economic, social, educational, environmental, and governance practices. Prof Braun has published in a variety of areas, including women’s empowerment, female and green entrepreneurship, and knowledge economy skilling (for publications see www.academia.edu).

Prof Braun consults with government and industry, both in Australia and abroad. She is a frequent contributor to APEC gender fora and policy. In 2015 she facilitated an Australian government sponsored APEC project to help emerging economies develop gender-response programs for women-led enterprises. From 2005-2009 Prof Braun was the Australian focal point for a 5-year APEC research and capacity development program to enhance women’s participation in the digital economy. Patrice maintains a global network of affiliations. She is on the Executive Committee of the International Taskforce for Women and Technology (ITF); a consulting expert with the UK-based Centre for Women’s Enterprise & Employment; on the Advisory Boards of Foundation Women @ Work (Netherlands), Yoga Gives Back (USA), and the National Education & Employment Foundation (Australia). Patrice is the Research Chair for the Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI).