The Importance of Facilitation in Supporting Effective Networking and Clustering John Coyle

30 May 2014

John Coyle, CEO HunterNet Business Network for 12 years)

The Importance of Facilitation in Supporting Effective

Networking and Clustering

1. Background to HunterNet

2. Importance of collaboration

and cluster facilitation

3. Lessons from Industry

4. Conclusion and implications

Outline

Background to HunterNet (Cluster 1)• a co-operative of approx 200 manufacturers,

engineers and consulting companies • Begun in1992 with 6 member firms.• Incorporated in 1992 as a registered, member

funded, not for profit co-operative• Group Training Co – 160 Apprentices / Trainees• SME’s with a combined turnover of $900M and

4000+ employees• Funded by Members with NSW govt support

A successful Cluster of Manufacturing Engineering SMEs:Working togetherSharing informationBuilding on core competenciesAcquiring new skillsSeeking joint opportunities

and demonstrating

THE POWER OF MANY

Manufacturing Engineering SMES

Monthly networking meetings held at member firm premises; special interest groups; yearly conference; shared training; formal dinners; group training company to support apprenticeships and more.

Outcomes: Firms tender jointly, mentor new firm members and Cluster acts as conduit between government and cluster firms, also supports the procurement of tenders, information for SMEs and more.

Facilitated activities that support knowledge sharing

Leadership & vision comes from within the Network Competitive barriers are mindsets Trust comes from ongoing demonstrated

commitment to the Cluster, with sharing of information and joint initiatives

HunterNet are marketing the Region as well as our members

HunterNet has an important role in shaping the perceptions of our Region and future investment

HunterNet: Lessons Learned

Greater marketing focus and effort, particularly on innovation:- Take HunterNet outside the Region- Focus on specific projects with technology bias

Drive innovationPromote the Hunter as the

engineering/manufacturing heartland of Australia –develop a niche!

Position ourselves as the voice of small business in manufacturing engineering sector

Continue to develop companies and their potential

Identify business opportunities for members

HunterNet (from the ex -CEO)

The ability of a business to connect effectively with other organisations is seen as key to contemporary innovation management strategy. Industry clusters, can increase the attractiveness and the effectiveness of cluster environment if they implement the right communication strategies for providing robust knowledge sharing networks and invest appropriately in brand building for the cluster. Aspects such as the focus on regional innovation systems (RIS) and open innovation are likely to add significantly to the understanding and effective facilitation of some future areas of research and practice.

Conclusion

Clusters are about collaboration, not just locating firms and firm owners in the same place. Nearly all experts agree that ideas flow faster in a local community.

The role of a cluster facilitator also encompasses interpretation, interaction and change management regarding both the external/internal environments providing added value for firm members and emphasising the fact that collaborative innovation is more than technology and will become even more important in the future.

Clusters have emerged as an industrial organisational form that is recognised as having superior abilities when compared with single firms that operate in isolation. Ultimately, cluster development fosters national economic development and growth.

 

Conclusion and implications

http://www.creativepipeline.com.au/cp_docdwnld_hn_20yrs_03.html

Thank You! Questions/comments?