75
Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies
Improving Global Quality of Life
8
Needs and challenges for global communication
any intermediate meetings of Commissions and Sub-Commissions are borne by their Member Societies or
the delegates’ employers.
The Institute, in July 2007, finalised its new Business Plan involving all administrative and working units to
ensure ownership by all participants over the 2007-2012 period.
8.2
Technology diffusion strategies to meet challenges to be “world centre”
of knowledge, innovation and best practise in welding and joining
The economies of many countries often depend on the performance of the small to medium enterprises
(
SMEs). For example, the Australian economy now depends on 97% of Australian Industry being classified as
SMEs and 60% of these have less that 20 employees. Anecdotal evidence suggests that probably 10% seek
to improve themselves through the adoption of proven technology and only 1% are probably prepared to
invest time and money in new technology.
The sources for such technologies include the 2-3% of research outcomes generated in Australia (through
universities, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) and industry laboratories), as well as the 97-98% of research outcomes generated in
the rest of the world.
Through IIW Member Societies (often not-for-profit industry institutes/associations) and their technology/
diffusion/innovation cooperative programmes, thousands of SMEs in each country are assisted each year
with the support of a wide range of industry sectors and governments. This helps create and implement
highly successful innovative outcomes, giving tremendous value and return-on-investment to the country.
These national industry institutes/associations/organisations have painstakingly built up basic infrastructure
of nationally sourced expertise and capability and developed international technology linkages. This has
increased their capacity and legitimacy to provide a broad range of technology diffusion and collaboration
services, and have established a sound industry support structure both within themselves and with other
players in the innovation system such as other industry associations.
A unique example is the OzWeld Technology Support Centres Network established in 1998 by the Welding
Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA), which is still today successfully helping Australian Industry become
locally and globally competitive. These Technology Support Centres (TSCs) bothwithin Australia and overseas,
including the research providers noted above, with the support of Federal, State and Territory Governments
and industry, provide significant technology support to the industry as a whole, and innovation at all levels.
8.2.1
IIW Member Societies
The IIW Members are often the national welding institutes/industry associations which recognise the need
for innovation. These organisations are focusing on the diffusion of latest technology into industry. They
have a non-sectoral approach i.e. across all industries and industry sectors utilising a variety of enabling
technologies covering manufacturing, fabrication, construction, repair, maintenance and other services such
as inspection and testing and related training.
Their programmes often give a strategic, national dimension encouraging industry collaboration and
technology diffusion on a large scale as well as identifying new global sectors of industry activity where their
industries can develop both “niche”, world-class competitive edges as well as implement the appropriate
technologies to the country’s needs.
They also accelerate the take up of new technology, so firms can access the best ideas from around
their country and the rest of the world. They also strengthen publicly funded innovation and research
