Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said the centre is an integral part of the Rudd Government's $251 million Enterprise Connect – a national network of manufacturing and innovation centres designed to help firms become stronger by focusing squarely on innovation, creativity and excellence.
"Victorian firms can now tap into the latest ideas and technologies by accessing a network with local roots and a global reach," Senator Carr said. "In this turbulent economic environment, the need for firms to innovate, improve productivity and find new efficiencies is more pressing than ever." Senator Carr said an added feature of the centre is that it will also be home to officers from the Industry Capability Network of Victoria.
"We hope to make similar arrangements with Austrade and CSIRO in the near future. "This will give the Dandenong centre business capabilities second to none. It’s all about giving businesses a gateway to the wider innovation system," Senator Carr said.
The Dandenong centre will act as a hub for Enterprise Connect services in the state, offering companies business review, tailored advisory, client management and other services, as well as grants of up to $20,000 for business improvements.
It will also work closely with the Enterprise Connect Innovative Regions Centre in Geelong. "Over 1,000 firms around the country have already received or applied for an Enterprise Connect business review – with around a third coming from Victoria,” Senator Carr said.
"More and more businesses now realise that innovation is the key to maintaining their own profitability and Australia’s prosperity as a whole." It is expected that each year up to 400 Victorian firms will receive direct assistance, with a further 600 Victorian firms supported through workshops and network activities.
For more information on Enterprise Connect, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call the Enterprise Connect hotline on 131 791.
