The NSW Department of State & Regional Development Innovation
Clusters Program assists small and medium firms accelerate their adoption of appropriate new technologies. The program raises awareness of new technologies and management practices, and assists businesses identify, evaluate and adopt the most appropriate ones for them. This results in improved production, business processes, products and services.
Innovation
Clusters
The Industry Development Centre (Hunter) Ltd (IDC) hosts a Technology Awareness Group for the Building & Construction industry within the Hunter Region of NSW.
Firms are exposed to innovations and leading-edge management techniques in Innovation
Clusters that are based around the State. Each meeting or site visit deals with a theme selected
by the members. Management issues covered include Strategic Planning, Best Practice, Continuous
Improvement and Enterprise Resource Planning. Some sessions deal with "soft" technologies,
such as E-Commerce and Lean/Agile Manufacturing. "Hard" technologies, such as Automation,
Manufacturing Cells and Computer Aided Design Manufacture are also covered.
Apart from learning from each other, participants are able to tap into the resources of leading
consultants and academics.
A newsletter - "Technology & Innovation" - is published to keep members abreast of the
activities and interests of all the groups. Information is also included on opportunities to
access a range of programs covering the interests of Technology Awareness Group members.
A subsidised fee is applicable for firms wishing to join Innovation
Clusters.
Who is Eligible?
NSW-based businesses wishing to participate in an Innovation
Cluster should
demonstrate:
» a clearly defined, well developed and effective business strategy;
» the ability to innovate and effectively apply technology;
» an interest in improving the performance of their businesses, but lacking
enough organisational and/or financial resources to do it.
DSRD’s Business Development Managers make the initial assessment of eligibility.
How to Access the Program
To access Innovation
Clusters or to obtain more information contact:
Mr Troy White
Commercialisation Manager
Industry Development Centre (Hunter) Ltd (IDC)
University Drive, Callaghan
NEWCASTLE NSW 2308
Phone: 1800 995 299 or +61 2 4962 0999
Fax: +61 2 4960 1137
Email: mail@innovation.org.au
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