My primary reason to be in Cambridge was to attend the Future of Wireless International Conference being held by Cambridge Wireless. Canada and Ontario were major sponsors, Bob Crowe of RIM was a keynote speaker (he gave an excellent talk, right on target with the conference theme) and we were to sign a cooperation agreement with Cambridge Wireless. We were accompanied by five Ottawa companies, Alcatel-Lucent Ottawa Research and Innovation Centre, SiGe Semiconductor, TIL-TEK Antennae Inc., Kavveri Telecom Products Limited and Teldio Corporation.
Cambridge has established itself as a major centre of innovation in Europe and Cambridge Wireless is viewed as a model for cluster organization. Our companies were there to do business, and that they did, but my interest was in better understanding the Cambridge Wireless model and more importantly, how it addressed the question of volunteer involvement and volunteer fatigue.
At OCRI, we are undergoing a review of our cluster support model. We are looking at how we can better support our exporting SME’s and take maximum advantage of the Multi National Enterprise (MNE) presence in Ottawa. Our concentration is on our high growth sectors: Wireless, Digital Media, Cleantech and Security and Defence.
Cambridge Wireless has addressed two major problems in formalized cluster organizations through its creation of “SIG’s” special interest groups. Clusters are often thought of as homogeneous because they bring together the supply chain or ecosystem for a single sector, for example wireless. But this sector is far from homogeneous. Companies will be interested in different markets, different technologies and different applications. Given the ongoing restructuring in the tech world, most companies are running lean. The most precious commodity is time. The SIG concept moves the organizing concept away from general participation to meeting the specific needs of the member.
The other major benefit of the SIG concept within Cambridge Wireless is that it is run by SIG Champions. These champions are volunteers who agree to run with the SIG. They mobilize the other interested companies and define the events and activities that will be undertaken. The role of the staff of Cambridge Wireless is then to help execute the plans that the members have defined. You therefore respond to those questions of volunteer involvement and volunteer fatigue while also near guaranteeing success of every event or activity.
There was little question that the system was working well in Cambridge. The continuing success of the Future of Wireless International Conference and the other events put on by Cambridge Wireless and the obvious enthusiasm of the private sector clearly show that the concept is successful. There is little question that SIG’s will be a part of our new model.
This particular conference was being dubbed the “Canadian Invasion”. Besides the Ottawa contingent, there were the reps from Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec resident in our High Commission in London, Wavefront from BC and RIM from Waterloo. Interestingly, not only RIM showed up in slide decks, but also QNX Software Systems Ltd.
As mentioned earlier, RIM’s presentation should have been voted best of show. When David Cleevely introduced the foreign heads of delegation at the gala dinner on the first evening, it was a near all Canada show. Although the Canadian reps, including your truly, had one minute or less, it was clear that friendly regional rivalries exist. He commented that the regional banter and rivalry was another common trait between the UK and Canada.
The cooperation agreement signed between Cambridge Wireless and OCRI was a recognition of the commonalities between the two regions. Our success is built on an intelligent workforce, an entrepreneurial DNA and a culture of innovation. Together, we can offer mutual assistance to our members and to build trade, investment and research links between our two regions.
Stay tuned as we turn words and intent into wealth.
