NSW government announces extra $2.3 million for ICN

The NSW government has announced $2.3 million in funding for the Industry Capability Network — which celebrated its 40th anniversary this week — which ICN says will help grow its presence in Western Sydney and regional NSW.

The nation-wide ICN acts as an intermediary between suppliers and major projects, and by its own count has assisted local companies in $54 billion worth of project “wins” over its history.

On Thursday the state government said the extra funding would help the ICN “support economic growth and create jobs by providing more supply chain matching services” to NSW businesses.

“There are about 29,000 manufacturers in NSW, employing more than half a million people. We’re determined to ensure those businesses are supported to find new markets and grow their operations,” said NSW industry and trade minister Anoulack Chanthivong (pictured) in a statement.

“The additional funding for the ICN means more businesses across the state will be linked to opportunities and projects to grow their capabilities and create more jobs.”

Executive Director of ICN NSW, Ian Hudson, said the extra funding would allow his organisation “to expand its presence, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW, which are growing hubs for manufacturers.”

The ICN celebrated its 40th anniversary at an event in Canberra on Wednesday. 

It released a report to mark the anniversary – Industry Capability Network. Past, Present and Future by the University of Sydney’s Phillip Toner and UTS Emeritus Professor Roy Green – assessing ICN’s history and impact.

Speaking to @AuManufacturing, Green said ICN “is the longest lasting industrial policy in the country, but it has operated below the radar, and it has suffered from inconsistencies in funding – it has never really had significant funding at the national level. 

“It has however managed to developed its Gateway software programme which is a database of 100,000 suppliers. It has used this to link up companies with local projects. But it has done this on a shoestring.”

Picture: credit www.connectwithanoulack.com

Further reading

ICN’s key role in SME capability and major projects – Roy Green

ICN links suppliers to projects, needs more resources – study

New ICN Gateway launched to smooth major project procurement