Government's support initiative

The Federal Government has awarded the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA) a grant to further develop its pioneering cluster initiatives in Australia. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources Ian Macfarlane announced the award of the $140,000 grant under the Innovation Access Program - Industry, an initiative of Backing Australia's Ability, the Federal Government's commitment to innovation.

The grant signals to industry the Federal Government's strong support for the concept of industry clusters. In particular, it demonstrates confidence in AEEMA's leadership and ability to garner local industry interest in, and support for, the notion of clustering and collaboration within a framework of government-supported, industrial-led initiatives such as the recently approved Electronics Industry Action Agenda.

The aim of the project, entitled 'Enhancing national economic benefits through a new cluster paradigm', is to investigate how cluster projects could be used to advance Australian industry. The project will examine the commercial issues surrounding collaboration, and develop protocols to facilitate industry-led large-scale collaborative initiatives.

The project has a strong 'knowledge diffusion' imperative. AEEMA believes that this initiative will not only benefit its SME membership, but Australian industry generally.

Grant funds will be used to research and analyse cluster activities; define how industry clusters can be best used to aid the competitiveness of Australian industry; and inform industry of project outcomes.