Innovation Cluster Groups have been developed by the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) to assist small and medium firms accelerate their adoption of appropriate new technologies. The program raises awareness of new technologies and management practices, and assists businesses identify, evaluate and adopt the most appropriate ones for them. This results in improved production, business processes, products and services.

The IDC, in conjunction with the DSRD and Master Builders Newcastle, have implemented a Building and Construction Innovation Cluster Group in the Hunter. Over fifty small-to-medium construction businesses from the Hunter Region will participate in the Innovation Cluster Group program. The group will meet 10 times a year and each meeting or site visit will deal with a theme selected by the members. Apart from learning from each other, participants are able to tap into leading consultants, academics and practitioners in the field of building and construction.

The benefits of participating in the Building and Construction Innovation Cluster are:

·        Assist members to improve the general business aspects of their operations;

·        Help members increase their awareness of new technologies and management practices;

·        Provide members with the opportunity for regular networking in a learning and knowledge-sharing environment; and

·        Help anticipate and manage change within member businesses.