|
The underpinning framework of this strategy is the way it works to complement and support the cluster. A large part of the essence of a cluster is the development of collaborative networks between cluster participants. The consultative forums emphasised the usefulness of this to ICT participants. One aspect of Phase 2 of the Ballarat ICT Cluster is focused on bringing companies together for joint projects. This should be extended, and with the University, a series of 'knowledge partnerships' should be set up to develop both horizontal and vertical collaborations around innovation. Ballarat ICT, will be the vehicle for high level networking events and the front for taking the ICT cluster to other countries in the search for active collaborative partnerships.
The focus of collaboration will change over time. Web 2.0 and its derivations will facilitate collaboration across a broader geographic landscape. The Ballarat ICT strategy should promote and develop this. Ballarat, because of its regional location, needs to be at the forefront of the new economics of collaboration. Local ties will remain important but the new web, facilitated by asymmetric broadband, will drive new collaborations. The ICT cluster will in effect become more geographically spread.
In order to create an environment which is conducive to innovation, Ballarat ICT should facilitate a consolidation and development of a cooperative, creative and diverse culture that fosters exchanges between ICT companies and non ICT companies through representation on Ballarat ICT or cooption of the major industry sectors as well as mobilisation with the help of the Committee for Ballarat.
Establish niche areas of focus and build 'laboratory' and 'test bed' activities Actions to 2012:
-
Work with the Committee for Ballarat, City of Ballarat and State Government to establish an investment attraction scheme to focus on niche areas where Ballarat can demonstrate some level of distinctiveness and advantage.
-
Identify potential test bed projects that local organisations can host. As part of this promote Ballarat as an ICT ‘laboratory’ and ‘test bed’.
-
Promote knowledge transfer, ensure measurement of progress and verification of success of ICT 2030 program activities.
Short term actions:
-
Identify scope for innovative niches in the use and application of ICT – for example the use of sensors in strategic regional industries, and the development of Internet commerce security systems. Further work needs to be undertaken by task forces with the sectors and with the University.
-
Develop scoping proposals for test bed projects in health with health providers and the Collaborative Centre for eHealth as well as possible test bed projects with high speed high bandwidth wireless access for the major sectors.
-
Work with the University to build an innovative community of practice around research as well as commercial projects.
Identify opportunities for producing competitive advantages through widespread adoption of ICT across Ballarat’s major industry sectors. Actions to 2012:
-
Establish a strong research and development culture that links the Ballarat ICT Cluster, local economy and education sector.
-
Develop a focus for Ballarat around ICT use in industries where Ballarat has a competitive advantage. Through dialogue with the major sectors, ICT, health, agribusiness, manufacturing and tourism, establish the common and core areas where there is currently competitive advantage and give priority to these areas in terms of support and incentives.
-
Maintain momentum by sustaining and expanding the partnerships between research and industry to achieve the application and widespread adoption of ICT.
-
Maintain a high level of organisational readiness and capacity to tap into the entire range of resources available to assist in implementing Ballarat ICT 2030 including resources available from all levels of government.
-
Commission further research into aspects of opportunity identification that require further detail during and beyond 2007.
Short term actions:
-
Organise forums that bring related agencies, organisations and individuals together to identify and prioritise opportunities for ICT adoption across Ballarat's major industry sectors.
-
Facilitate dialogue with the major sectors, ICT, health, agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing and tourism to establish the common and core areas where there is competitive advantage and give priority to these areas in terms of support and incentives.
-
Form multidisciplinary teams to work with Ballarat's major industry sectors to identify new ICT related technologies that could provide them with ongoing competitive advantage.
-
Develop working parties or other structures that may be necessary to further examine and advance priority projects across Ballarat's major industry sectors.
-
Seek out commitment, capacity and funding to achieve piloting and adoption on innovative ICT products and services in priority project areas.
|
|
|
|
Prev
Next