Mr Weatherill said South Australia should be a place with economic and personal growth.
"Our vision for this great state is: South Australia. The place where people and business thrive," he said.
Outlining his economic plan for the future of South Australia, Mr Weatherill said "we have identified 10 economic priority areas that will ensure that South Australia is well placed to thrive in this modern, global context."
These priority areas are:
- Unlocking the full potential of South Australia's resources, energy and renewable assets
- Premium food and wine produced in our clean environment and exported to the world
- A globally recognised leader in health research, ageing and related services and products
- The Knowledge State - attracting a diverse student body and commercialising our research
- South Australia - a growing destination choice for international and domestic travellers
- Growth through innovation
- South Australia - the best place to do business
- Adelaide, the heart of the vibrant state
- Promoting South Australia's international connections and engagement
- South Australia's small businesses have access to capital and global markets
Mr Weatherill said he wanted to build on the work of the Shaping the Future of SA program to develop economic policy and vision for the state.
"I want to be able to incorporate your thinking to build on the work of the Shaping the Future program and get input from business, the public service and wider community," he said.
"For South Australia, we no longer have a choice.
"We must act and act boldly."
Also speaking at the event was South Australian Governor, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR.
He said writing reports such as the Shaping the Future of SA is easy, it is the implementation of recommendations that can be difficult to achieve.
"Writing reports and plans is dead easy, the challenge is in their implementation," he said.
"Our state must have personal accountability assigned for each of the actions with regular, transparent progress reports."
His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR also said everyone has a role going forward.
"It is vital that we all connect ourselves to building the bold community support that is needed to drive action," he said.
KMPG South Australia Chairman of Partners, Con Tragakis said South Australia's economic transition is critical.
"Key factors in this transition are strong and bold leadership to chart a clear vision, a plan and importantly a governance framework to get there, a community who are united by this vision…and a commitment to action," he said.
South Australia Economic Development Board Chair, Raymond Spencer said South Australia can become even more prosperous in future years.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that South Australians can reach even greater heights of prosperity and strive to be the most liveable place in the world and a global model for 21st century living and wellbeing," he said.
As part of the Shaping the Future of SA program, CEDA hosted a series of events and forums, videos for each are available below:
Read the South Australian Government's economic priorities.
Read the full summary of Shaping the Future of SA.