EDA Journal Vol 11. No.2 Summer 2018 | Page 9

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY understand, yet robust, statistical analysis modules. Some of these are already emerging from collaboration with our early adopters. Case studies are being documented and shared on Spendmapp’s site (spendmapp.com.au). This collaboration with partners, particularly the Cities of Warrnambool and Holdfast Bay, illustrates how Spendmapp has helped economic development practitioners become experts in data analytics. FINALIST VENDORPANEL Leveraging Council Procurement to Drive Local Economic Development It is generally agreed that local sourcing by Councils and other organisations brings social and economic gain to an area. Yet, when it comes to local procurement, adherence to policy targets and measurement of results are difficult. The challenge has been to bring local procurement into mainstream Council procurement activity – to make it easy for buyers to source locally. BuyRegional is a nationwide initiative that helps government and other organisations engage with local suppliers, leveraging procurement as a driver of regional economic development. Over 30 councils have taken part in BuyRegional since its launch, supporting economic growth, while improving governance and reducing risk in their activities. Platform statistics show that Councils sourcing via BuyRegional have awarded 84.4% of RFxs locally. Other data (independently validated) has shown that they achieved an average Cost Avoidance rate of 9.74%, challenging the widely-held view that procuring to drive local economic development comes at a financial cost. In fact, the opposite is true. FINALIST CITY OF BALLARAT Ballarat GiG (Get into Games) Expo Ballarat GiG (Get into Games) is a successful initiative of the City of Ballarat’s Economic Development Unit, having celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event in May 2017, with the tagline 10 Years ‘Ahead of the Game’. This Expo highlights to secondary school students the future career pathways available in the lucrative games development industry. It has two objectives: • Workforce development: to attract and retain digital skills and knowledge in the region by promoting gaming and other courses available to students through Federation University; and • Investment development and attraction: promoting Ballarat as a high tech and knowledge- based economy interested in attracting games development studios. GiG is held in collaboration with the Game Developers Association of Australia (GDAA), Federation University Australia and Highlands LLEN (Local Learning & Employment Network), and in 2017, attracted sponsorship from Telstra, IBM and GUF Games. GIG 2017 was attended by 230 students from 15 schools from across the Victorian Central Highlands, who interacted with presenters from national and international games development studios (and during their breaks played some fantastic games!). Whilst registration was at capacity for the venue, the reported interest from schools exceeded 600 students. The event also included an industry lunch, which provided the opportunity for games industry leaders to network with local teachers, policy makers and University representatives. Federation University Australia have reported an increase in enrolments in their gaming courses in recent years; furthermore the ongoing relationship between City of Ballarat and the GDAA has given Ballarat a reputation as a regional city with an interest in digital innovation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES - SINGLE EVENT OR ACTIVITY WINNER SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL Why Youi Chose the Sunshine Coast - Business with Benefits Sunshine Coast Council takes a collaborative approach to raise the profile of the region as a business destination and gain quality business investment leads. During 2017-18, activity was designed and delivered under Sunshine Coast Council’s Investment Attraction Plan to achieve the objectives of promotion and awareness, business attraction and retention, support, reputation and confidence, communication and capacity. The Investment Attraction team took a collaborative approach by working with partners to promote the region to target markets under two initiatives: VOL.11 NO.2 2018 | 9