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The Australian TCF Technology Network comprises two key components:
Network Facilitation - A comprehensive database consisting of TCF and non-TCF companies, researchers and financiers is maintained to enable effective identification of network registrants with similar R&D interests. Once identified, network staff will facilitate meetings between participants to help ensure that the collaborative arrangement has the best chance of success.
This facilitation will continue only until intellectual property is created, or until partners consider it no longer necessary to avoid any conflicts of interest. However network staff will contact collaborative groups every four months to track project progress.
The TCF Technology Network database will also link with the Innovation Xchange and other international networks to ensure comprehensive, widescale matching and identification is undertaken (both globally and across other industries to identify all potential and relevant technology applications).
Knowledge Events - a minimum of four seminars / workshops will be held each year with one of these offered completely free of charge to network registrants. These events will focus on practical issues that prohibit the uptake of innovation within a company and will be delivered by experts from both the TCF and non-TCF sectors.
These include understanding global Intellectual Property laws, contract negotiation and options for funding R&D projects along with case studies of successful collaborations.
In addition to these seminars a series of training courses will be offered to the industry covering practical aspects of innovation assessment within a company and effective collaboration arrangements, commercialisation tools and methods.
The network will provide benefits to all stakeholders in the domestic textiles and clothing sector but particularly those companies seeking to expand their current level of R&D and innovation and those just beginning to explore the potential of new technological developments. The effective adoption of technology by a company to differentiate its product in the marketplace is an essential factor for the growth and development of the TCF sector in Australia.
The network will operate to reduce the level of individual resourcing required by companies to identify, investigate and develop new technologies,as well as assist in the facilitation of collaborative projects between companies and researchers.
The seminars, workshops and training will be designed to cover a range of skills and experience in innovation and R&D benefiting existing R&D staff, sales and production management and senior executives throughout companies. By providing information targeting all levels of staff in a company, it is intended that a culture of innovation and focus on R&D will be fully integrated into company and industry operations.
With linkages to the broader Australian and international networks in the United States, Asia and Europe the network will be able to draw on information, knowledge and expertise of global researchers – private and public – to provide benefit to the Australian industry's technological development.
The network is open to public and private companies, research bodies, individuals and finance providers in either the TCF or non-TCF sector. Registrants can be from anywhere in Australia or overseas however, the benefit of any collaboration must occur in Victoria. The network is seeking additional cooperation from other Australian Governments to increase this coverage.
To be part of this exciting initiative, and to make the most of all available opportunities, you should complete the registration form or email attn@tfia.com.au. Once completed and returned, your details will be entered into the database, and active matching of your companies needs to others will occur.
Not many. The principal obligation is that you agree to maintain contact with the network during the development of a project and that should you reach commercialisation you acknowledge the program in helping you to achieve this outcome.
Of course we would also hope that once registered we would see your representatives at our events and that you will promote the network to your colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Ph +61 3 8680 9407 Fax +61 3 8680 9499 email attn@tfia.com.au
| VicStart
A Victorian Government initiative |
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