This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET) providers in three areas: (1) Income sources and mixes; (2) "Thin markets" in VET; and (3) Research and development. Practices and policies are evolving in these three areas. The report contributes to a deeper understanding of the scope and range of VET activities in a competitive environment and the factors that shape them. This project has focused separately on the experiences and initiatives of VET providers in the three areas of income sources and mixes, thin markets and research and development. In the final section of the report the findings from each separate stream of the work are viewed from a broader perspective in order to identify common themes and issues. In addition, some policy implications from the work are discussed. Four appendices are included: (1) Principles for leveraging profile funding, Victoria; (2) Thin market strategies of the states and territories; (3) ACPET's arguments against restrictions on private providers in thin markets in WA; and (4) Examples of research and development in the VET sector. (Contains 4 tables, 1 figure, 1 box, and 9 endnotes.)