INNOVATION SHOWCASE PROGRAMS

233 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (21 October 2008).

1. What was the cost of innovation showcase programs in 2007-08 and what is the expected cost for 2008-09?

2. What are the details on these programs including, topics covered, attendances and how many staff assisted in providing the forums?

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations): I have been provided the following information:

1. The cost of the Innovation Showcase Programs in 2007-08 was $74,768. The budget allocated in 2008-09 is $70,000.

2. The Innovation Showcase programs allow South Australian businesses cost-effective access to a broad cross section of South Australian industries to view innovation and business best practices in action.

The Program consists of 10 site visits per year to host companies demonstrating business best practices in areas such as innovation, workforce development, strategy & leadership, change management, safety, quality management systems, continuous improvement, product development, marketing, supply chain management and environmental initiatives. The site visits also provide host companies with the opportunity to showcase their successes as well as receive critical feedback from other visiting company representatives.

Apart from hosting site visits and applying learning's, the Innovation Showcase program has also become a dynamic ‘hub' to disseminate awareness of a wide range of SA Centre for Innovation activities and services offered as well as a source of stimulation for innovation and business excellence in South Australia.

There are numerous topics covered in the Program, including:

Integrating manufacturing process management into financial services

Introducing Lean office principles and creating a lean culture

Applying value stream mapping techniques

People Culture—Training and Development

Safety management

Manufacturing Process Control

Alternative systems and processes in vehicle manufacturing

Managing Growth and Fast Growth,

Product Development and Lifecycle

Standardising Manufacturing Processes

Developing an Innovative Culture

Designing and implementing a new manufacturing system

Optimising Materials Flow

Introducing Innovative products in traditional markets

Lean Thinking in a Public Sector organisation

Value Stream Mapping

5S and Visual Management in the Office

World Class Customer Delivery

Supply Chain Management

Commercialisation of new technology

Re-engineering products and processes.

Improving overall productivity

Improving work flow within a small to medium sized manufacturer

Environmental initiatives

Innovative approaches to farming

Managing relationships with suppliers and large clients

Transforming a traditional dairy farm

Using Lean principles in the finance processing industry

Attendances in 2007-08 have been 150 representatives consisting of executives, administration managers, manufacturing managers and team leaders from 86 various organisations (excluding the South Australian Centre for Innovation Incorporated (SACFII), the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and associated organisations).

In 2007-08, there were 10 high-level small to large enterprises that participated as host companies.

Figures for 2008-09 for the July to September quarter indicate an ongoing high level of interest and engagement across the South Australian manufacturing industry, with registrations to the Program expected to reach 200.

The Program is overseen by several members of the SACFII on behalf of DTED, and delivered by a private consultancy firm Learning and Productivity Pty Ltd where 4 appropriately credentialed individuals are allocated to develop and manage the Program.