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Following a program of research funded by the Regional Innovation Cluster Program in April 2005 a nascent ICT Cluster was identified in Ballarat. Recommendations were put forward for a further program to be undertaken to upgrade and develop the Cluster, particularly in the context of greater networking and collaborative projects between Cluster participants. In June 2006, the City of Ballarat received a Stage 2 grant of $65,000 under Regional Innovation Cluster Program to further develop the Cluster.
The University of Ballarat was engaged by the City of Ballarat for the management and coordination of Stage 2 of the Ballarat ICT Cluster project to help foster further development of the Ballarat ICT industry. The University's tasks included the rollout of an engagement program, the establishment of business intelligence services, the profiling and marketing of the Ballarat ICT Cluster, support for ICT demonstration projects, professional development opportunities for ICT firms and export assistance.
For the successful completion of this project, the University of Ballarat drew upon the knowledge, organisational and project management capabilities of both the Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) and Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (CRIC). It built on the success of the Stage 1 communication and consultation activities by working closely with the City of Ballarat, Ballarat ICT Ltd (previously cBallarat), the Ballarat ICT Cluster Steering Committee and members of the Ballarat ICT industry.
The Ballarat ICT Cluster covers the wider geographical region of the City of Ballarat. Cluster activities involve approximately 80 ICT providers and a further 21 lead users, training and education providers, key industry bodies and local government.
The Ballarat ICT Cluster Project Steering Committee comprises private sector ICT organisations, industry bodies, local and state government and has provided strategic leadership for previous cluster work.
The City of Ballarat is the auspicing body for the Cluster, and through Ballarat ICT Ltd, provides broad policy advice and direction on the development of the ICT within Ballarat. This model builds upon existing linkages between Council, Ballarat ICT Ltd, the University of Ballarat and industry. It acts as a coordinating mechanism and provides coherent strategic direction, linking to broader local, state and national agendas.
The second stage of the Ballarat ICT Cluster project had the following specific objectives:
The aim was to actively engage the Ballarat ICT industry and regional stakeholders through; newsletters, networks, forums, participation in Cluster activities, developing strategies for engaging new entrants and encourage collaboration of participants.
The aim was to research, build and profile the capability of the ICT industry within the region; encourage the effective interaction of supply and demand ICT firms; dissemination of tender notification services, industry trends, product development and opportunities; develop feasibility studies around specific strategies where appropriate.
The aim was to actively profile and market the ICT Cluster and regional investment opportunities to local, domestic and international markets through means such as websites, case studies, testimonials, trade fairs and expos and industry awards. Secondly, to profile local technology developments in the areas of product development, process improvements, workplace management and culture.
ICT Demonstration Projects
The aim was to facilitate collaborative working relationships and pilot projects between large and small private sector organisations in areas of product innovation, tendering and commercialisation of IP. Further, to work with non-ICT firms to apply ICT within their business, foster partnerships between ICT firms, universities and other research institutions and to accelerate workforce integration through industry and university partnership.
Professional Development for ICT Firms
The aim was to equip and up-skill businesses with the necessary business management skills to enhance their overall operations. The areas identified include: marketing, technical, project management, business development export development and innovation.
The aim is to support export orientated and export active firms in the pursuit of overseas markets through assisting them to become export ready, profiling successful case studies, link businesses with state and federal government support programs and initiatives and foster communities of export interest.
The University of Ballarat (UB) Project Team comprised individuals from the University's Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) and the Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (CRIC). Participants include:
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Helen Thompson (Project Manager)
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Professor Julian Lowe
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Dr Patrice Braun
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Corey Saitta (Project Officer during March to June 2007)
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