Digital Innovation Network launched

Digital Innovation Network launched
Mosaic to increase productivity, growth and global competitiveness

The Future Cities Institute today announced the launch of The Mosaic Innovation Network – a collaborative network focused on the development of digital innovation in New Zealand.

The Metro Group of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) will collaborate with business and Government to identify digital opportunities through research and match these opportunities with technology, technical skills and people. This will then enable small to medium enterprise access to digitally enabled innovation for new products, services, processes and business models that they allow them to compete on a global scale.

The Future Cities Institute's Chief Executive, Malcolm Fraser says the initiative presented a huge opportunity to accelerate growth across multiple sectors, making New Zealand more competitive on a global scale.

"No single organisation can do it all, and with multiple technology businesses and institutes in New Zealand doing similar work, there is a huge opportunity to work together, creating synergies that will stimulate real growth for New Zealand," says Malcolm.

"The Mosaic Network will offer New Zealand businesses and tertiary institutions greater support and resource when it comes to digital innovation, as well as offering students valuable industry experience working with industry partners."

Chairman of Mosaic's Metro Group of ITPs and Chief Executive Unitec, Dr Rick Ede says the network's goal is to see increased numbers of student ICT internships and industry based projects, and more applied research projects industry funded by technology transfer vouchers.

"By connecting local businesses, students and researchers on industry focused projects, Mosaic supports the interactions of people, ideas, innovation, and knowledge. This in turn works to provide more industry-relevant graduates to industry, strengthen the national competitiveness and economic productivity growth for New Zealand as a whole," says Dr Ede.

The Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) industry is the primary focus of The Mosaic Innovation Network, with additional focus on digital enablement in sectors of regional importance such as health, construction, Government, and non-profits.

ITPs such as Unitec Institute of Technology, Waikato Institute of Technology, Wellington Institute of Technology, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Otago Polytechnic will be founding partners collaborating with organisations such as Microsoft New Zealand, Agitavi International and Synapsys, as well as Industrial Research Limited and Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand.

"There are significant gains to be made across multiple sectors of New Zealand’s economy through the development and leverage of digital technology. We are very excited about being part of the overall New Zealand productivity solution, which will help to make our country more competitive in the global market," says Microsoft Managing Director, Paul Muckleston.

The Mosaic Network will be holding information sessions at ICT industry group meetings in key regions throughout the month of May and June followed by the series of Future City Forum events in each region to build connections and opportunities for collaboration.

For more information on the Mosaic Network go to www.digitalmosaic.org

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