FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a cluster?

A cluster is typically a geographically bounded concentration of similar, related or complementary businesses with active channels for business transactions, communication and dialogue that share specialised infrastructure, labour markets, and services and that face common opportunities and threats. Their components include public and private elements, all of which contribute to their operation and success.

What will be achieved by ensuring there is appropriate support for the Ballarat ICT cluster?

The City of Ballarat recognises the potentially critical economic role of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) cluster and seeks to underpin regional ICT activities with appropriate support. In order to facilitate the cluster's development there is a need to conduct research as to the nature, breath and potential of the Ballarat ICT cluster and to develop an organisational plan based on the key issues and outcomes identified through the research study.

What is the Regional Innovation Clusters Program?

During 2004 the Victorian Government launched the Regional Innovation Clusters Program. The aim of the program is to develop and strengthen regional clusters building on existing strengths in key sectors, such as, food and agriculture, health, manufacturing, biotechnology and ICT. The program will support the use of clusters as a regional and industry development tool that will strengthen innovation, productivity and competitive advantage in rural and regional Victoria. It is a three year $2.9 million program.

What support has the Ballarat ICT Cluster received from Regional Development Victoria?

Through a collaborative effort led by Ballarat ICT Limited and the City of Ballarat the Ballarat ICT Cluster has attracted funding through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program. Together with funding contributed by the City of Ballarat this will support a range of activities which will be coordinated by the University of Ballarat.

What is the role of the University of Ballarat?

During Stage 1 the University of Ballarat was engaged to undertake research which gathered further information on Ballarat's ICT firms, their capabilities, size, relationships and needs. Information was also gathered on the current level of utilisation of ICT by Ballarat's "traditional" firms and on evident needs and/or opportunities for generating ICT synergies within and between different industries. The specific objectives of Stage 1 included:

1. Establishing a profile of potential members of the Ballarat ICT Cluster.
2. Developing an organisational plan to guide the establishment and development of the cluster.
3. Establishing a web-based cluster management and communication system.

During Stage 2 the University of Ballarat was responsible for coordinating:

1. Rollout of an engagement program
2. Establishment of business intelligence services
3. Profiling and marketing of the Ballarat ICT Cluster
4. Support for ICT demonstration projects
5. Professional development opportunities
6. Export assistance

The University of Ballarat's Cluster Facilitation role has been extended to Stage 3 where the focus is on the following specific objectives:

1. 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 State and National programs. Case studies will be developed to assist other companies to understand the opportunities of a greater international focus.
2. Development of research and developement partnerships within the cluster and between the cluster and potential overseas collaborators. The University and City would facilitate these developments.
3.  identify areas of future opportunity based on ICT 2030 and other research that will provide areas for the cluster to grow and develop internationally.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. An ongoing evaluation strategy which will identify the innovation impacts of the Ballarat ICT Cluster and assesses what cluster members take away from seminars, mentoring, workshops, etc, and then actually implement in their business processes.

What areas of the University of Ballarat will be involved in the research?

The Project Team will comprise staff from the Centre for Electronic Commerce and Communications (www.cecc.com.au) and Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (www.cric.com.au).

How can local businesses get involved?

There are multiple opportunities for local business people to get involved in the Ballarat ICT Cluster. Examples include responding to the surveys which will be administered via the web and by telephone using the University of Ballarat's computer assisted telephone interviewing system, or by joining the project steering committee. There will also be opportunities for ICT firms and other businesses to participate in focus groups and workshops as the project progresses. To express interest in getting involved please contact the Project Manager for the Ballarat ICT Cluster Consultancy, Helen Thompson either by telephoning 5327 9418 or emailing h.thompson@ballarat.edu.au.

What is the Ballarat ICT Directory?

The Ballarat ICT Directory is being developed to profile ICT firms in the Ballarat region. To register or update your details visit ict_directory

What is the Ballarat ICT Cluster Information Kit?

The Ballarat ICT Cluster Information Kit brings together information on local business networks and includes details of upcoming events. It provides information and contact details for organisations that provide services to assist business, industry and community development. It also details some upcoming professional development opportunities in areas including business training, export development and marketing. The Information Kit has been developed to highlight services and networks which local ICT firms may benefit from linking into.