Cluster Project

ICT Enabled Programme for Small Micro & Medium Entrepreneurs

Azizi Ab Aziz, Ph.D
ITU-UUM CoE for Rural ICT Development Universiti Utara Malaysia

Cluster ?
o Integration of related Small-Micro-Medium Entrepreneurs (SMMEs) to promote better capabilities and potentials in a bigger value chain.

Entrepreneur A Entrepreneur B Entrepreneur D

o Increase business opportunities o Synergy o Win-win situation

Entrepreneur C

Innovative cluster

Concepts of Innovation Cluster

Joint Design Joint Research & Development

Objective
New Business Model Value Added Product & Services

Joint Marketing
Joint Channel of Distribution

Sustainability

People interaction, knowledge sharing, mutual benefits realization

Conceptualization
Need analysis Gap analysis SWOT analysis Knowledge sharing Shared design, promotion, R&D ICT Training, websites, digital apps.

Analysis

Cluster Formation

Synergized Activities

Exhibitions
Mini exhibition centre Business exhibition

Selection, players Meetings, idea generation Mentoring

Activities
Social Media

4
ICT Training

Marketing & Promotion

Product Design Cluster Theme

Organization & Analysis

Mechanism
Steps
Organization & Analysis

Action plan
Key players / authority Perform technical analysis to facilitate the formation of the proposed cluster. Analysis (Need Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Gap Analysis, Porter Analysis) Identify related (prominent) products / services to be selected. Considerations: Uniqueness, Marketable, Consistent Supply, Quality, Reliable, History, (Connection to the potential touristic places) Local champion (Re) Branding Packaging (lightweight, durable, elegant, attractive, unique) Products could be grouped under several sub-themes.

Cluster Theme

Product Design

Mechanism
Steps
ICT Training

Action plan
Blog and social media development Video (product promo & corporate Photo shooting, and editing software Website development (e-commerce functionality) PC training / troubleshooting Designing promotion materials Electronic payment / security & threat

Social Media

Viral campaign Analysis (targeted market, audience) E-commerce via social media Individual and group promotion Marketing strategy, analysis Brochures (printed and digital) Books / articles / newspapers Information centre / mini museum

Marketing & Promotion

Knowledge Services
o Organization management expert o Cultural innovation expert o Advantage cluster expert o Education expert o Nature expert o Brand story o Internet marketing o Video recording o Blog expert o Photography Organizational practise & industry knowledge Seminars to enhance services

Cross cluster / industry exchange

Cluster guidance / best practise

Video recording to promote stories

Cluster knowledge experts

Food Processing Cluster

Collaboration with KEDA (KKLW) and APEC Digital Opportunity Centre (ADOC). ITU-UUM as a coordinator to streamline the activities. 9 companies (under KEDA) Almost completing the first phase (Dec 2013).

Food Processing Cluster

Selected products: o Variety of local sauces. o Kelulut (stingless bee) honey. o Stem-cell based supplement product. o Herbal based noodles. o Date vinegar. o Local delicacies. o Stevia based sweetener, tea and juices.

Need Analysis
Standardization, Availability, Potentials, Current Sales, Competitive (dis)Advantage
Identification of related courses to be attended

What are the key products for that company ? What courses / supports are available ?

What skills and competencies required to meet the objective ? What are current ICT adoption / staff capabilities ?

Entrepreneur / Company
Matching within the existing expertise at UUM / ADOC The level of courses / support needed (beginner, intermediate, advance)

SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Support from the local / national authorities . Unique products Malaysia is one of the top social media users. Volunteer participation Direct link to the university

Weaknesses
Weak commitment due to the lack of staff. Weak ICT infostructure. Lack of experience and exposure to the open market. Unattractive product design.

Opportunities
Leverage on social media applications and promotions. New model / localized platforms for special market needs. Pilot selected cluster(s) as a main focus

Threats
Cyber security issues including fake orders. Quality and reliability of ability to cater demands. Business insolvency

Gap Analysis
Areas
ICT Platform ICT Infrastructure

Major Gaps
Very basic functionality
Low utilization Early stage Value creation is low

Potentials
Leveraging the social media Modular promotion Modular products Attractive design / packaging Inter-organization coordination

Products Organization / Agencies

Unattractive design and packaging Governance mechanism Attitude & Motivation

Progress (ICT Enabled Cluster)

Introductory

Visit

Consultation

Practice

Exhibition 2013

Activities (May Nov 2013)

Mou Signing Ceremony Nov. May

Exhibition

Site Visit / Data Analysis May-June

July-Oct

ICT / Product Design / Social Media Workshop

Cluster / Progress Meeting

June-Oct

Activities (MoU Signing Ceremony)

Site Visit & Data Analysis (Kedah)

ICT Enabled Cluster Workshop

Roll Out Plan Meeting

Cluster Progress Meeting

ICT Training with Yuan-Ze University

ADOC Workshop (Taipei)

Social Media & Video Competition (UUM)

Mobile CTC Exhibition

Strategic Partners