Information - Innovation Connections

* A technology focussed group with extensive domestic and international experience in manufacturing, marketing and technology transfer
* Industries include electronics, automotive, medical, aerospace, agricultural, building & construction, petrochemical, utilities, transport and composites
* Expertise includes product and market development, technology transfer, strategic business planning, joint ventures, licensing and advanced materials and processes
* Operating with government and industry, activity covering inventors, SMEs, major corporates and companies wishing establish in the Pacific Rim.
* The partners also operate the Western Sydney Innovation Advisory Service, an initiative of NSW Department of State & Regional Development and hosted by Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation    

Australia can sustain a manufacturing base in selected industries in niche markets on the basis that

* A competitive manufacturing industry promotes growth in employment and wealth creation.
* Sustainable growth can only come from products and activities that dominate market niches
* Niche market domination only comes from the development and marketing of innovative products geared to customers’ needs
* The development of innovative products requires access to competitive technology, methods and their application in an efficient, cost effective process.
* Support in technology application, methods, commercial approaches and the development process needs to be readily available.  

To use our practical skills, experience and knowledge to develop new products and employment opportunities based on the development of competitive new products, low risk product development using the Innovation Connections structured approach

Nothing remains the same, there is constant change and companies and their people must constantly audit and review their operations looking for improvements in performance, cost reduction, efficiency, value improvement and new product opportunities

Major companies set new products targets for sales replacement, growth and sustainability

* There are numerous case histories of SMEs with continuous improvement programmes, they just require daily focus
* New entrants to markets invariably have new and improved technology leaps that offer reduced prices, better quality and repeatability.
* Major global companies continually push the envelope in the areas of labour reduction, knowledge management, intelligent driving software, advanced manufacturing equipment
* As part of the annual strategic plan companies need to continually audit and review products, operations, facilities, equipment, customers, performance
* Audit and review has to cover tangible and intangible areas
* Stages of company development have to be established that will focus on best practise and moving the industry forward, there are recognition systems such as industry awards that confirm your stages of development

Industry associations can assist but only if you are part of the executive driving force  

Traditional areas such as networking are no longer reliable and informed sources, you have to set your own path and quietly map your achievements along the way

Implementation of an innovation plan is not just a matter of setting an action agenda, it means allotting time and resources to address the issues starting with a culture of learning and knowledge management

* The audit and review should have covered people, skills and assets, there has to be retention, education and skills acquisition strategy as a major component of the innovation plan.
* Diffusion of the knowledge management database needs addressing in the areas of policy and procedure
* Silo mentality is good if you are building silos but of little value if you are trying to engender cooperation and team work
* Forming relationships with compatible companies, technology producers and industry associations needs to be at specific levels, dross rises to the surface
* Alliances are better formed in overseas locations where comparative data will have greater value.
* Security of intellectual property becomes more of an issue as the level of innovation increases, take appropriate steps to guard and secure against loss.

Knowledge management and intellectual property does reach the shop floor, monitor  intrusion by authorised and unauthorised people in this area.

Services

Adopting innovation is not a matter of turning on a tap, it requires adoption, cultural change and acceptance by the people, partnerships are more important than providers.

Our approach to innovation is based on our extensive experience and a multifaceted view, marketing, manufacturing and technology
Although we can prepare plans we prefer to work with companies that can really help themselves

Our mission is to assist in development; you may agree with our vision but they cannot be adopted, each project is different and needs a structured approach.

The contents of this web site represent the ideas, approaches and opinions of the partners of Innovation Connections, drawn from their extensive experience of innovative product development. Every effort has been made by Innovation Connections to ensure the generality, specificity and applicability of the information.

Organisations and individuals accessing this site should recognise that the individual conditions that relate to their specific businesses may differ from the general conditions assumed by Innovation Connections in preparing this web site data. Proper application of these processes requires a detailed knowledge of the circumstance involved. Innovation Connections cannot be held responsible for any outcomes, whether favourable or adverse, resulting from application of the techniques and ideas contained in this site.

It is an implied condition when accessing this web site that outcomes or actions resulting from a company, organisation, individual or others accessing the web site and applying or using the suggested approaches remain the entire responsibility of the accessing company, organisation, individuals or others and that Innovation Connections remains at arms length and free from any and all actions at law based on this web site content.           

Copyright Innovation Connections 2007