An economic working group, comprising representatives from the Dunedin, Central Otago, Queenstown-Lakes, Waitaki, Clutha and Otago councils has developed a strategic framework for economic development.
The framework is focused on areas such as enabling greater connectivity between districts, growing productivity, accessing and retaining talent, providing a better choice and quality of housing and improving the sustainable use of the region's assets.
Each council would still retain its own economic development unit and strategy.
A $10,000 contribution was made by each council which was matched by the provincial growth fund to help develop the strategy.
The idea to develop the framework came from advice provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment which indicated a high-level plan would support the region's application to the fund.
It has been endorsed by the Otago Mayoral Forum and a report will be presented to each council before the October elections.
Two advisers - one covering inland Otago and the other covering coastal Otago - will also be appointed to help implement the plan.
Mayoral forum chairman and Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said Otago would benefit far more by working together rather than as separate areas.
''If you look at the three smallest districts - Clutha, Central Otago and Waitaki - we hover around the 20,000 people mark, which is pretty small.
''But if you look at Otago as a whole we gain strength by working together and it helps when we go to Wellington with one strong voice.''
Tourism was just one area where by working together all the districts would benefit, he said.
''If you look at Clutha and Queenstown Lakes and say how can those two work together, and the first thing that springs to mind is tourism development.
''Getting tourists into the rest of Otago will not only benefit places like Clutha but will also take some of that pressure off Queenstown.''
There was already some collaboration between the councils but the framework and strategy formalised and strengthened the partnership, Mr Cadogan said.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan said the councils had sent a message to the Government and the rest of the country that Otago was working together.
A similar approach in places like Northland had already been successful in attracting business and government funding, he said.
