8 September 2004

Building on common links between local businesses to leverage a greater stake in major projects and the knowledge-based economy is the focus of a Business Collaboration Workshop to be hosted by Charles Darwin University this Friday.

Professor Stephen Garnett, Chair in Tropcial Knowledge at Charles Darwin University

“An approach that ‘clusters’ local businesses that provide similar or linkable services has worked elsewhere in Australia to secure a local stake in major projects and unlock greater value for individual companies,” Charles Darwin University’s Professor of Tropical Knowledge, Stephen Garnett, explained.

“In the Territory we are witnessing a new period of growth in major projects in oil and gas, defence and other sectors as well as a revitalised university keen to work with local business.

“Small and medium-sized businesses in the Territory are the main providers of long-term jobs, however opportunities can be limited by capability and capacity to supply a range of services. Size can also limit the ability of business to develop new products and processes. Local industry needs to be clever and innovative about how to be a significant part of the action.

“As this new era of economic growth unfolds, business can generate more growth where they work with other businesses holding complementary skills.”

The workshop is a practical outcome of Charles Darwin University’s drive to actively engage with the Territory business community and is hosted in conjunction with Chamber of Commerce NT, AusIndustry and the NT Dept of Business, Industry and Resource Development.

Workshop guest speakers include:

• Professor Helen Garnett, Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University speaking on the University's new determination to work with industry;

• Steve Oldham of the Cairns Regional Economic Development Corporation, where business clustering has brought substantial benefits to a range of small businesses;

• Ross Trevena of the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development on future business opportunities; and

• Samantha Miles, partner Clayton Utz, advising legal firm to the highly successful Darwin-based RANms consortium.

Local consultant, Adam Gordon, will then facilitate a workshop on how to move the cluster forward to benefit local business.

Registration for the workshop can be made through Chamber of Commerce NT on 08 8936 3141. A map of the Casuarina Campus can be accessed at www.cdu.edu.au/campusmaps