ABOUT THE CLUSTER

Ballarat ICT Limited (previously cBallarat) and the City of Ballarat recognise the potentially critical economic role of an information and communications technology (ICT) cluster and seek to underpin regional ICT activities with appropriate support.

During 2004 the Ballarat ICT Cluster Steering Committee was established with representation from small and large businesses, government and education providers. The Steering Committee identified that there was a need to conduct research as to the nature, breadth and potential of the Ballarat ICT Cluster. The City of Ballarat agreed to provide support and subsequently lodged an application for funding through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program administered by Regional Development Victoria's Office of Science and Technology.

On the 15 July 2005, Minister John Brumby announced that the Ballarat ICT Cluster Consultancy had been successful in attracting funding through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program when the project was officially launched at the Greenhill Enterprise Centre.

Stage 1

Stage 1 activities during 2005/2006 were designed to achieve the following three objectives:

• Establish a cluster profile study
  • That defines the characteristics of the Ballarat ICT Cluster.
• Develop an organisational plan
  • To guide the establishment and development of the Ballarat ICT Cluster.
• Establish a cluster management and communication system www.ballaratict.com.au
  • To support engagement with local organisations and promote ICT cluster activities and capabilities.

During Stage 1 the University of Ballarat conducted research with Ballarat's ICT firms and documented their capabilities, size, relationships and needs. Technology utilisation by Ballarat's "traditional" business community was also examined to identify evident needs and/or opportunities.  Projects outputs from Stage 1 are accessible through the Ballarat ICT Cluster Profile Study Report and the Ballarat ICT Cluster Organisational Plan.  The establishment of the Ballarat ICT website was also an outcome of Stage 1 of the Ballarat ICT Cluster project.

Stage 2

Stage 2 activities were funded through a combination of State Government and Local Government Funding.  Key activities include:

• Rollout of an engagement program
• Establishment of business intelligence services
• Profiling and marketing of the Ballarat ICT Cluster
• Support for ICT demonstration projects
• Professional development opportunities
• Export assistance

The University of Ballarat was appointed to implement the Stage 2 Activities.  The University's Team drew on expertise from the Centre for eCommerce and Communications and the Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness. Key individuals involved in the Ballarat ICT Cluster include: Helen Thompson, (Project Manager); Prof Julian Lowe and Dr Patrice Braun.

Access a copy of the Ballarat ICT Cluster report here

Stage 3

In November 2007, Minister Jacinta Allan announced that the Ballarat ICT Cluster had been successful in attracting funding through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program for Stage 3 of this important initiative for the Ballarat region. Click here to access further information on the launch activities.

The Ballarat ICT Cluster Stage 3 project is focusing on a number of areas that develop the international exposure and growth of Ballarat ICT cluster organisations. Stage 3 activities have been funded through a combination of Victorian Government, City of Ballarat and Ballarat ICT Cluster member contributions. Key activities include:

The Stage 3 project which has been funded through a combination of Victorian Government, City of Ballarat and Ballarat ICT Cluster Member contributions has the following specific objectives:

• Information, training and support for local SMEs to access international markets and participate in international supply chains. This will involve one on one mentoring, workshops and linking to state and national programs. Case studies will be developed to assist other companies to understand the opportunities of a greater international focus.
• Development of research and development partnerships within the cluster and between the cluster and potential overseas collaborators. The University and City would facilitate these developments.
• With cluster participants the identification of areas of future opportunity (based on ICT 2030 and other research) that will provide fruitful areas for the cluster to grow and develop internationally.
• Continuation of the successful ICT Panels as a vehicle to encourage businesses to strengthen their partnerships with education and research institutions and to accelerate uptake of new ideas.
• Continued cluster coordination to foster opportunities for further engagement and collaboration among cluster members while also sustaining activities which have been successfully introduced. These include the Ballarat ICT Cluster and Communication System (www.ballaratict.com.au), engagement program, business intelligence and profile and marketing activities.
• An ongoing evaluation strategy which will identify the innovation impacts of the Ballarat ICT Cluster and assess what cluster members take away from seminars, mentoring, workshops, etc. and then actually implement in their business processes.

The University of Ballarat has been engaged to oversee the implementation of the Stage 3 Activities.

Click here to access a copy of the Stage 3 Progress Report which documents activities during the period between October 2007 and April 2008.

If you would like further information on the Ballarat ICT Cluster please contact:

Helen Thompson
Ballarat ICT Cluster Project Manager
University of Ballarat
Phone: 03 5327 9418
Email: h.thompson@ballarat.edu.au