- Title
- Growing exports via online communities and web-portals : A case from the Central Highlands region of Victoria
- Creator
- Thompson, Helen
- Date
- 2003
- Type
- Text; Conference paper
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/35393
- Identifier
- vital:1595
- Abstract
- Despite a rise of interest in information communications technology (ICT) and in community informatics (CI) initiatives, these are not ‘magic bullets’ or ‘quick-fix solutions’ for SMEs or even larger organisations, communities, or industries. There is growing recognition of the need to go beyond anecdotal evidence and to assess more effectively the change brought about by providing access to and utilisation of ICT in communities. Denison et al. (2002) have presented a taxonomy which differentiates between various types of ICT and community networking initiatives. The application of this schema to a cluster of community informatics initiatives originating from the Central Highlands region of Victoria proves to be useful. A single case study is then presented which reviews the evolution of GrowExport.com, one of the online communities within that cluster. The diverse factors which are involved in establishing sustainable online services are examined. Access to a comprehensive toolset specifically designed to meet the skills and infrastructure gaps which often exist in regional areas has been important. The active involvement of community members in designing, implementing and sustaining web-based services has also been important. By generating debate and discussion and by sharing the critical learning from specific cases it is hoped that others can be better informed about the major characteristics and the diverse factors which impact on the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of CI initiatives in a regional and rural context.; E1
- Publisher
- Ballarat, Australia : SEAANZ
- Relation
- Paper presented at the 16th Annual SEAANZ Conference, Ballarat, Australia : 28th September - 1st October, 2003
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- Copyright SEAANZ
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Central Highlands; Victoria; Exports
- Full Text
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