Connect
The CONNECT project will work closely with SMEs within two sample emerging clusters in the Dundee area: Biotechnology and Creative Industries. In particular, the project will focus on the ability of these key developing sectors to adapt to the economic, legal and environmental circumstances which surround them, and to engender an ethos of lifelong learning within SME management, providing a platform for business growth.
Connect has a number of aims: to raise organisational awareness within emerging clusters of the value of sector-relevant and focused staff development; and to establish collaborative cluster networks which will facilitate information exchange, identify and disseminate best practice, and offer a unified cluster-driven approach to problem solving, staff training and workplace experience. Other aims are to identify cluster specific training needs and develop/adapt learning materials and delivery methods appropriate to these needs. The final aim is to establish a culture of lifelong learning and employee focused staff development as a means to support growth and sustainability in emerging clusters.
The project will conduct research regarding cluster dynamics and critical success factors for cluster growth. It will apply research findings, promote the activity of the project, and produce learning materials to encourage lifelong learning. It will identify delivery methods and introduce learning exchange mechanisms locally, nationally and internationally, as well as refine the model for other clusters.
Connect will produce a research report on cluster dynamics and critical success factors in emerging clusters, as well as sustaining collaboration between stakeholders, developing materials, and establishing a learning facility.
Contact details for Project
Anne Wake
Project Manager
Dundee College
Melrose Campus
Melrose Terrace
Dundee DD3 7QX
Telephone: 01382 834880
Fax: 01382 458153
Email: a.wake@dundeecoll.ac.uk
Fiona Jurk
Project Liaison Manager
Dundee College
Kingsway Campus
Old Glamis Road
Dundee DD3 8LE
Telephone: 01382 834897
Fax: 01382 858117
Email: f.jurk@dundeecoll.ac.uk
Vanessa Martin
Project Leader
Dundee College
Constitution Campus
Constitution Road
Dundee DD3 6TB
Telephone: 01382 834834 Ex 2210
Fax: 01382 223299
Email: v.martin@dundeecoll.ac.uk
Keith B. Pearson
Project Coordinator
Dundee College
Melrose Campus
Melrose Terrace
Dundee DD3 7QX
Telephone: 01382 834882
Fax: 01382 458153
Email:k.pearson@dundeecoll.ac.uk
News
CONNECT Project – DUNDEE COLLEGE
The CONNECT project will work closely with SMEs in the Dundee area, concentrating on the emerging clusters in the Biotechnology and Creative industries. Of particular interest is the ability of these developing sectors to successfully grow and adapt to their environment.
As part of Phase 1 of the project, the College has undertaken a market research study.
The aims of the research were:-
a) Generally to investigate and evaluate the use of networking and cluster dynamics in the biotech industry and establish critical success factors.
b) Specifically to collect information about the Dundee biotechnology industry indicating the levels of awareness, participation and attitudes towards networking with the sector.
The research was carried out by students studying for their HND in Marketing under the guidance of their Course Team Leader. The investigation took place in two stages:-
Stage 1: Secondary data was collected about general networking practices, critical success factors, and its usefulness in supporting the successful development of new industries. Particular emphasis was placed on its use within the biotech industry.
Stage 2 of the study focussed on the local Dundee biotech industry, and involved a survey of local companies and organisations. This looked at their attitudes towards networking and present levels of involvement in local networks. It also looked at ways in which the College could support local networks.
The interviews were carried out by the students using the College’s Call Centre Training Suite. The data has been collated and analysed and the final market research report is due out in December 2005.
David McAllister
November 2005
Progress to date
- The research on cluster dynamics is at an advanced stage and we look forward to receiving the research report by the end of the year.
- The Project Steering Group has been established and has held its inaugural meeting. As well as college representatives, there is representation from both local Universities, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, BioDundee and the local Biotechnology SMEs. We hope in future to include representatives from the Digital Media sector as well.
- The work to establish a VLE using the Blackboard system is underway so that communications and training can take place involving the SMEs and Dundee College.
- We are in the process of planning towards an official launch event in late January 2006.
