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Cluster Strategy Planning

Strategic Planning Workshop for the Water Technology Cluster held March 18 2009

To view PDF of Cluster Strategy Workshop notes

Activity areas and priorities adopted by workshop:

An on-farm water sustainability service / package - developed by the cluster - delivered by cluster members

Audit of water technology businesses and gap analysis to identify opportunities and grow the cluster - contact persons the members of the water technology steering committee.

Identify activities that will result in water use savings on farm (that can be justified to the Federal government so they fund it)

Background Info & Expectations For Water Tech Cluster

Sourced from Cluster contract and Cluster planning documents: October 2008 (this was the original Strategic planning documentation guiding development of the Cluster)

Regional Innovation Clusters Programme (RICP) KEY POINTS:

· Victorian Govt initiative

· formation of partnerships between groups of ‘like minded’ organisations -to achieve goals that would not otherwise be easily achievable.

· Partners within a cluster include:

o businesses within supply chains (supplier, customer),

o research institutions,

o higher education (TAFE’s, Universities, RTO’s and other providers),

o allied government industry associations.

A CLUSTER DEFINITION:

A cluster is a group of like organisations within common operational boundaries that face shared opportunities and threats and share active channels for:

business transactions
specialised infrastructure
labour markets

BUSINESS OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES (participants):

Clustering enables businesses:

to take advantage of synergies in marketing, manufacturing, logistics etc.
lower the costs of doing business through shared service
to support the creation and commercialisation of ideas
share knowledge across the economy and the wider community

OBJECTIVES OF THE RICP IN RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA

· strengthen innovation

· productivity

· competitive advantage

. BACKGROUND: DEVELOPMENT OF WATER TECH. CLUSTER

1. preliminary feasibility study into development of water technologies cluster by RDV in 2006 in Goulburn Murray Irrigation District

2. water technologies cluster formation recommended

3. means of better linking the technology providers, irrigation users, researchers and policy makers in Northern Victoria.

4. challenge to get enough collaboration to generate value adding practices for the irrigation sector and water technology industry in the region, while aligning (without duplicating) with the national agenda.

5. decision to broaden activities & stakeholders of proposed cluster, 2007.

6. WTC scoped out & funded, manager appointed 2008.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF WATER TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER

Water Technologies Cluster could develop a range of water technology

· products and

· services

· better outcomes in domestic & export irrigation sector markets in the Goulburn Murray region & extending nationally and internationally.

This would contribute to achieving two RDV key policy objectives to facilitate economic growth in

· local and

· overseas markets.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES/ METHODS FOR CLUSTER

Drive regional outcomes for the irrigation sector and the broader water technology industry.
Align with and influence the national agendathrough strategic positioning and industry advocacy.

· Engage key stakeholders to consider the merits of existing irrigation sector issues and water technology industry strategies .

· Form cluster steering committee includes representatives of the irrigation industry, Irrigation Australia, Industry Capability Network, State and Local government

(Based on survey, Feb 2007)

ACTIVITY/ ACTION AREAS:

Key performance areas pivotal to success in the role of Cluster Manager:

· Project identification, development and management

· Liaison and communications

· Administration and reporting

· Executive support

· Industry Audit

· Development of Cluster Strategy

· Build Cluster Membership

encourages formation of partnerships

March 2008 Strategic Planning Workshop

Contact Water Technology Cluster