FOSTERING REGIONAL RESEARCH AND COMMERCIALISATION THROUGH THE BALLARAT ICT CLUSTER

The third Ballarat ICT Cluster Panel will focus on identifying opportunities for fostering regional research and commercialisation through the Ballarat ICT Cluster. It will be held at the Greenhill Enterprise Centre on Tuesday 5 June 2007.

Background

The Australian approach to public-private partnerships through knowledge transfer between research and industry is a key aspect of its innovation policy. Building partnerships, skills and infrastructure to be able to experience the full benefits of research and development (R&D) and produce commercially viable outcomes that attract global interest are seen as necessary to be able to compete in the global business environment. In this panel we will be discussing how the Ballarat ICT cluster can assist the research and commercialisation of ICT-related products and services.

Questions

Is ICT commercialisation the same as any other commercialisation?

Are there IP issues?
Funding issues?
Partner selection issues similar or different to other research?

What are the different vehicles, spinouts and license issues for collaboration to work?
What would Ballarat partners seek in these collaborations?
Are there examples that can illuminate collaboration issues?
What opportunities can be identified for fostering innovation through collaborative research and development partnerships rather than ad hoc activities?
How do we build capacity of the ICT cluster through collaborative commercialisation rather than ad hoc commercial activities?
How can the Ballarat ICT cluster work with the University?
Are there issues associated with other institutions?
What are the immediate, short-term and long-term R&D priorities for the Ballarat ICT cluster?
What short and medium-term actions can be identified?