Background
The Gillard Labor Government is determined to fight climate change and work with industry to secure a clean, green and prosperous future for Australia. The Government will commit $5 million as part of a $1.5 billion package to stimulate industry investment which will also generate further co-investment by the private sector.
This program is part of a Clean Energy Future which is the next step in helping Australian industry adapt and prosper in a low carbon economy. It is the basis for securing jobs, modernising existing industries and taking advantage of new opportunities. It will encourage industry to operate more efficiently and ultimately deliver better outcomes for the economy and for all Australians.
By strengthening partnerships between industry, government and the research community we will secure genuine sustainability and lasting prosperity.
And, by working together, we can support our workers and keep our industries at the forefront of new technologies and new ways of doing things to create a better and fairer Australia.
What is the Clean Technology Focus for Supply Chains?
The Government has allocated $5 million over four years to the Clean Technology Focus for Supply Chains to enhance the clean technology aspects of existing business development and facilitation programs.
The program will:
- enhance the role of Supplier Advocates for the clean technologies, water, and built environment sectors appointed under the Supplier Advocate program;
- develop strategies for industry development activities that enhance Australian industry involvement in the supply of goods and services for energy efficiency solutions; and
- enhance Enterprise Connect services to these sectors.
This initiative will complement the business advisory services provided by Enterprise Connect, and the activities of the state-based Industry Capability Network, which has appointed specialists for the clean technologies and water sectors to link Australian companies to supply opportunities.
Who is it for?
The program targets:
- firms in the clean technology sectors, water technology firms, fabricators or manufacturing service providers; and
- eligible companies, anywhere in Australia, with relevant capabilities wishing to improve competitiveness in the clean technology sectors. This initiative will work intensively with eligible Australian small to medium enterprises to assist them to improve their competitiveness. Many more firms will be assisted with training and information about business opportunities.
What does it offer?
Supplier Advocates will collaborate with industry to undertake activities that raise firms' competitiveness, promote capabilities and link capable suppliers with clean technology projects.
Enterprise Connect Business Advisers will work directly with businesses, either individually or as groups, to support:
- product and service development;
- marketing and branding;
- supply chain engagement;
- export capability;
- being competitive in the global market; and
- joint research and innovation projects.
Eligible businesses will have access to the full range of Enterprise Connect services, including:
- Business Review ‑ a comprehensive analysis of a firm carried out on site by a skilled and experienced Business Adviser;
- Continuous Improvement Project ‑: a three-year change management and continuous improvement program that aims to lift competitiveness and the performance of the firm through a process of continuous improvement across the entire range of business activity;
- Tailored Advisory Services ‑ to help implement the recommendations of the Business Review;
- Enterprise Learning and Mentoring ‑ peer learning to help implement the recommendations of the Business Review;
- Leadership21 ‑ a tailored leadership course for small to medium businesses;
- Researchers in Business ‑ the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies into businesses to help develop and implement a new idea with commercial potential; and
- Workshops, Industry Intelligence, and Networking: seminars, workshops and other activities that provide businesses with access to new innovations, technologies, expertise and best practice.
Business Advisers will regularly assess businesses' progress, coach managers in strategies for improvement and provide connections and links to other advice.
When will it be available?
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research will consult with stakeholders between July and October 2011 on the specific design of the program.
It is anticipated that implementation of the enhancements to the Supplier Advocate and Enterprise Connect programs will begin during 2011-12.
Want to know more?
Register your interest by contacting the Enterprise Connect hotline on 13 17 91.
Download
Download the Clean Technology Focus for Supply Chains fact sheet [
PDF version 46KB]