2017-12-18 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                18 DECEMBER 2017


    part of the co-work and shared-office network in the Shire and wider Sunshine Coast
      region, operating collaboratively with existing co-work spaces;
    A digital link into the global environment.

3) Digital Hub Operation
The Peregian Beach Digital Hub Establishment Phase Implementation Plan (attached) outlines
the operational structure for the Digital Hub. Council will facilitate the tenanting of the Digital Hub
for a period of up to 2 years from January 2018 to December 2019.
The first step under this operational model is the engagement of a project resource (Digital Hub
Coordinator) to support the tenancy process, form revenue-generating partnerships, manage
events and access grants & sponsorship revenue.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be undertaken to attract tenants with a presence or
interest in the technology sector. The EOI process is expected to result in a mixture of tenant
types, including; anchor tenants, fixed office space for Small to Medium Enterprises and co-work
members.
Essentially this internally facilitated model is intended to generate economic growth, grants
revenue to finance ‘wrap around services’, partnerships and investment attraction and
diversification.
The success and impact of this model and approach is intended to be closely monitored and
reviewed formally after 18 months of operation. Draft Key Performance Indicators and Targets to
inform its evaluation and review are outlined in the attached implementation plan however will be
refined post the EOI process and appointment of the Hub Coordinator.

4) Benefit & Impact
The approach to establish and operate the Digital Hub, as outlined in the attached
Implementation Plan, will provide the following benefits:
      Revenue:
      The appointment of a Digital Hub Coordinator will provide a resource to work across and
      with the industry, access grants and establish revenue-generating partnerships.
      Cost management:
      The proposed model provides a high level of control over investment and direct
      management of operational costs for Council. It enables the ability to scale-up or down as
      the business model and market evolves.
      Wrap around Services:
      The approach enables Council to have a flexibility to purchase and develop partnerships
      with a range of industry specialists and providers.
      Prudent Approach:
      As it is anticipated that the business model and market will evolve rapidly in the technology
      and digital space, this model enables Council to scale up or down as required.
      Agile & Flexible:
      The model will be regularly monitored and formally reviewed after 18 months of operation,
      thus allowing flexibility to pivot and adjust the model as it evolves.




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