Regional Australia relies on its universities for the skilled workers who keep economies afloat, according to new research.  A report commissioned by the Regional Universities Network found 69 per cent of bachelor degree graduates from the six RUN institutions were working in regional Australia, compared to 23 per cent of graduates overall. Across RUN member catchments, two-thirds plus of their graduates in health, education, agriculture and engineering, work full-time locally. “Increasing the skills levels of employees in regional Australia helps overcome skills shortages, protects regional areas from structural adjustment as the economy shifts to tertiary industries, and encourages population growth by increasing the diversity of jobs,” Run chair and University of the Sunshine Coast VC Greg Hill says.