In December, ECIC launched the Australian Cluster Observatory at an event in the Barossa Valley attended by the Hon Susan Close, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation. The Australian Cluster Observatory is an interactive web-based data analytics tool and cluster organisation network platform modelled on European and USA initiatives. It provides business executives, regional and industry development agencies a way to examine the level of industry specialisation that occurs within regions across Australia.
The ECIC received a South Australian Government grant for $150,000 from the Department of State Development to launch this initiative. The lead team includes Dr Allan O’Connor and Dr Graciela Corral de Zubielquiof the ECIC who have formed a multidisciplinary collaboration with the Workforce Innovation and Social Research Institute (WISeR) to bring geographical data expertise to the project.The ECIC would also like to thank Regional Development Australia for their continued support throughout this project.