Knowledge Economy Event Launched

11 October 2001 Christchurch - Baycorp SmartNet workshops 2001 will be held on 21-22 November in Christchurch. The knowledge economy event, now in its fifth year, is the largest annual gathering of key decision-makers across industry, business, government, education and the community.

SmartNet's vision is to encourage New Zealand companies to reposition themselves for the knowledge age. The SmartNet initiative is supported by a number of local, national and international organisations from the private and public sector. Sponsors include Baycorp, JADE, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, IBM, Industry New Zealand, Ministry of Economic Development, University of Canterbury, Christchurch College of Education, TelstraSaturn, Ministry of Research Science and Technology, Claude Advertising and The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

The theme for the SmartNet 2001 is Knowledge Navigators. Organiser Lyall Lukey says "the emphasis is on practical knowledge management strategies and tactical business navigation aids to help smart and innovative New Zealand enterprises take it to the world." Mr Lukey says "the theme builds on last year's SmartNet theme Making it Happen in the Knowledge Economy and can be seen as the enterprise action phase following the recent Knowledge Wave conference."

"As we enter rougher economic waters in uncertain times after the attack on the World Trade Centre the theme takes on added significance", according to Mr Lukey. "In times of crisis people need to get together to share insights and knowledge and work out the best way forward."

Over 50 talented workshop leaders and contributors are involved in the SmartNet 2001 programme which includes case studies of world class Kiwi enterprises, international keynote speakers, New Zealand business leaders, interactive workshops, the Working Smarter Expo and high level networking opportunities. Mr Lukey says "Knowledge Navigators is for those who have the vision to set new directions for themselves and their organisations and the courage to embark on new ventures in the global economy."

As with previous years, over 300 delegates are expected at the event. Mr Lukey attributes the intense interest in SmartNet to New Zealand's increasing awareness of the need to reposition for the knowledge age. "SmartNet is the knowledge economy in action. It connects key business people, researchers, educators, innovators and policy makers and fosters high level networking and knowledge sharing across old boundaries. It is a fantastic opportunity for business people to be updated on knowledge-focussed strategies and tools to make the knowledge economy actually happen." For full information see http://www.smartnet.co.nz, email info@smartnet.co.nz or call (03) 3667 874.

ENDS Contact Sandra Lukey Marketing Manager SmartNet workshops 021 2262 858 03 3667 874 Lukey Training Resources: http://www.lukey.co.nz/
SmartNet workshops: http://www.smartnet.co.nz/

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT

Message from Keith McLaughlin

CEO, Baycorp Ltd

"Success in today's global marketplace is all about attitude - believing not only that you can compete on the world stage, but that you can lead the world in your respective field. It is just this attitude (we call it Business Adrenalin) that has seen our organisation develop into the success it is today - a respected and successful supplier of business intelligence and technology in the Asia Pacific region. The philosophy behind SmartNet is one Baycorp wholeheartedly supports. The sharing of business intelligence across business, government and academic institutions will ensure New Zealand prospers on the world stage and we will all benefit from this. SmartNet has our endorsement and we look forward to this years programme."

Message from Sir Gil Simpson,

Chief Executive, Aoraki Corporation

"New Zealand prides itself on having an innovative culture, but international studies often don't bear this out. Traditionally we have had more of an improvisation culture - one that is good at creating unique products from what we already have, rather than creating fundamentally new products. Innovation is at the core of New Zealand succeeding in a world economy driven by electronic commerce, and something every business must be focussed on. My definition of innovation is success through difference, and SmartNet is making a significant contribution to fostering that sort of culture in New Zealand. That's why my organisation supports it and a large number of our staff participate."

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