About SmartNet
SmartNet is a strong nationwide network that began in 1997 to connect key business people, researchers, educators and policy makers and other stakeholders to enable networking and knowledge sharing across traditional boundaries. SmartNet was set up to help organisations prosper in the fast changing global environment which is being transformed by new technologies and ways of working.
SmartNet is about connection, networking with purpose across
old boundaries, linking knowledge generators and innovators with entrepreneurs
and policy makers to pursue new export [global] opportunities.
SmartNet facilitates knowledge sharing and relationship-building via regular
events, the SmartNet member network, the
quarterly SmartNet e-News newsletter and eForums. Useful articles,
links and recommendations
can also be found on the SmartNet site.
SmartNet Objectives
- To raise consciousness of key innovation economy issues, opportunities and trends.
- To enable dialogue/ partnerships across industry, research, education, policy and business groups.
- To encourage new ways of working, new thinking, smarter learning and smarter business through exposure to a wealth of ideas, new technologies, inspirational people, services and expertise.
- To act as a private sector/ public sector bridge to allow increased dialogue between these groups.
- To act as a new economy networking vehicle with leveraging opportunities for key stakeholders.
- To stimulate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
History
The Annual SmartNet workshops - 1997 - 2001
In 1996, we pledged to run a major series of annual events called the SmartNet workshops. This annual event, designed to bridge the new millennium, was to run from 1997 to 2001. The aim was to provide a vehicle for individuals and organisations to network across old boundaries in pursuit of new opportunities. The method was to link knowledge generators and innovators with entrepreneurs and policy makers and others interested in cooperating at home to compete better in niche export markets overseas.
The five two-day national SmartNet workshop events, each with a different theme, were held annually in Christchurch. An audience of several hundred people attended each event, and several hundred more people attended the associated Working Smarter Expo.
In between the annual events a number of smaller workshops were held around the country. A discussion list server was also set up to allow people to continue the knowledge sharing and networking at any time.
Thanks to the very real financial assistance and other support from our sponsors and supporters we have completed SmartNet phase one - the 5 annual events from 1997 to 2001. SmartNet has built up a tremendous amount of good will and credibility.
| "SmartNet has been a pioneer in the national effort to transform
our economy. It has grown from its Canterbury base to become a significant
date in the national knowledge calendar. I see it as a melting pot of
smart ideas and the smart people who are making the knowledge economy
happen here. And rather than just preaching about innovation - it has
modeled it as well" Dr James Buwalda, Chief Executive, Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. |
The SmartNet workshops
Series 2002-8
SmartNet moved into its second phase in 2002. The SmartNet workshops Series includes a regular series of events in 4 main centres - Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch. They are "accelerated" SmartNet presentations and panel/chatshow sessions followed by optional smaller optional workshops and showcases.
The SmartNet workshops Series is more accessible than the previous format due to shorter timeframes, geographical availability and online connection. This new format is based on sound learning methodology and has an emphasis on action in the workplace.
The networking aspects of SmartNet are also strengthened by these events and provide some more focussed marketing and business partnership making opportunities for participants as well as other benefits.
SmartNet workshops Series 2008: More info >>
