The Sunrise Project

linking clusters across the world

Rod Brown, Cockatoo Network Australia

Smart Specialisation

Incredibly timely – no other option Australia cannot compete with

China in low-cost areas We need to focus on design,

innovation, marketing – Europe is the benchmark

Priority setting

No special process in Australia The process is slow and messy Parkville (medical + biotech) Torquay & Bells Beach (surfwear)

Role of clusters

Cluster programs are scarce in Australia

But governments understand Supply Chains

So we aim to develop supply chains by linking clusters!!

Recommendations on SS

Understand how to nurture areas of specialisation

Understand the regional architecture – people & infrastructure

Engage private sector in priority setting

Involve regional universities

LINKING CLUSTERS

The problem is lack of connectivity- finding collaborators- knowing who to talk to- lack of face-to-face talks- lack of time to brainstorm

LINKING CLUSTERS

Solution = connect collaborative companies

Such companies gravitate to networks and clusters

So we identify these – see 6 examples

LINKING CLUSTERS METHODOLOGY Step 1 – identify networks & clusters

Step 2 – Engagement- low key visits, trade displays, workshops,

studies, business missions

Step 3 – Action Agendas

LINKING CLUSTERS – ACTION AGENDA

Vietnam – pork, eco-tourism, construction, creative industries, forestry

EC clusters can help achieve faster results, provide supply chains

In return, EC establishes long-term foundations

LINKING CLUSTERS

Identify EC areas of SS (clusters) for linking:Spain-Aust in construction?Spain-Vietnam in pork?Spain-NZ in film & IT?Spain-Australia-Pacific Is in solar?Spain-Indonesia in marine?

Conclusions We have solid base of expertise But linking clusters will not happen

automatically – need a business plan to:

- explain intellectual basis- develop organisational framework- prove up methodology via case studies- disseminate the results

WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH US?