Putting the CONNECT into regional development

01-Dec-2011 The Creative Industries Innovation Centre (CIIC) facilitated a roundtable earlier this year, at the Innovation Centre, in partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast (USC) and the Sunshine Coast Council, to explore how best to leverage Enterprise Connect in this fast-growing region. 

The roundtable, as a first engagement between the partners, focused on how best to share information, collaborate, and promote the Enterprise Connect program to leverage participation with local business and industry, and to facilitate innovation and research. 

Over the course of the meeting a series of key insights were realised. Importantly, it was demonstrated that Enterprise Connect, through its business advisers, offers a trusted channel for Universities to better understand, support and connect with business and industry. 

Furthermore, the Researchers in Business and Innovation facilitation programs provide regional economic development platforms aligned to University core business. 

The Innovation Centre team recognised they shared a common goal with Enterprise Connect, which is to build and transform local businesses. 

Following the roundtable, the CIIC, in partnership with the Innovation Centre, hosted a networking lunch, attended by approximately 20 local businesses and professional firms.

Since the roundtable, the organisations have collaborated, which would not have happened without this first step. 

For instance, there is a significant collaborative opportunity in the Sunshine Coast major hospital development, which presents a partnership opportunity for Enterprise Connect, the Regional Council, ICSC and the University that can enhance local business’ ability to profit from the hospital development. 

In terms of aligning business offerings, the CIIC has hosted it’s ‘Biztro’ business consultation in partnership with the Innovation Centre, and has attracted new creative businesses to engage with Enterprise Connect, the University and ICSC. 

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