“Quicklook” Assessment of Greater Adelaide's Assets & Challenges ...

CIVIC LUNCHEON
By Barbara Fossum, David Gibson, John Hunt, Adrienne Hughto, and Simi Shonowo
INTRODUCTION
A cross section and wide variety of representatives were at the civic luncheon to address
issues of civic assessment that can impact technology development and entrepreneurial
growth in the region. The IC2 team encouraged self-examination of attendees with
directed questions and comments without leading dialogue or commentary in order to
encourage the introspective atmosphere. Self-criticism also was encouraged in order
that the analysis would be more productive in correcting areas that might be weak and
make the overall network stronger. It was noted by the IC2 team that the members were
exceptionally active in a wide variety of high profile civic activities, supplementing
professional expertise with heavy involvement in the community.
Strengths
• SA Great and its role as catalyst and facilitator to build confidence and boost
pride in South Australia
• Council works building partnerships with purpose of stretching goals, capacity,
vivacity, and audacity.
• Strong networks and collaboration by government with business in many areas
• Business Vision 2010 in collaboration and links with various sectors including
clusters meetings.
• Premier’s Business Round Table – Premier meetings with business leaders.
• WCIT 2001 – marketing and branding for the Adelaide area.
• With technology even small organizations can make an impact, remoteness of
South Australia is now less of an issue.
•
Weakness
• Rapid paces in industries make it very hard to get the right people together in
bigger cities.
• Multitude of councils in government promote confusion for businesses and
inefficient processes due to overhead.
• General reluctance to embrace some of the fundamentals of collaboration.
• Scheduling and confusion often impedes collaboration
• When State government is involved it could have too much in outcome of how
things actually get done.
• Reluctance of government to publish successes due to perceived negative
public perceptions of political self-promotion.
.
Opportunities
• People with vision should not lose focus of keeping quality in products and
services
• Focus on making quality products and services would build confidence and
improve image of region.
COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
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