The IC2 Institute initiated the "Wireless Future" project to explore the economic
development potential of wireless technologies in Central Texas. The project includes
research culminating in a report on the sector and its future, and other action items
including a national conference.
Need
To date IC2 has identified over 75 wireless technology and service companies in the Austin MSA.
While small, this sector has not received the attention of comparably sized technology
areas such as nanotechnology (15 companies/organizations), biomed/biotech (73 ), and clean
energy (80). These wireless companies have emerged organically with little attention paid
to cluster development. Since its inception in spring 2003, Wireless Future has facilitated coordination and communication among the regions wireless companies and raised the level of awareness among political and business leaders concerning the potential importance of wireless to the regional economy.
Project Plan
The Institute, in cooperation with business and other stakeholders, will analyze the region's wireless assets and the challenges of evolving a wireless cluster. The resulting report will also present a roadmap with action items for regional development in wireless technologies and services.
IC2 will establish Austin's global wireless presence and create
opportunities for interregional networking for researchers, policy makers, and business
professionals by hosting a national conference March 12-16 on wireless technologies and
economic and social development.
Project Outcome
- An informed plan for the development of Austin's wireless technology sector.
- A regional community of interest developed over time through the creation of the
report, roadmap, wireless business alliance and conference to sustain networking and
communication.
- A framework for participation and prominence in the national and global wireless
sector.
Audience
- Wireless Companies and Entrepreneurs
- Peripheral "Cluster" Companies and Entrepreneurs
- Potential Investors
- Government Agencies and NGOs
- Workforce and Economic Development Entities
- Citizens and Consumers
Time Frame and Deliverables
The initial work on the project began in March-April, 2003. The project includes
- Stakeholder group meetings throughout summer, 2003.
- Substantial survey and research work throughout summer, 2003, including a futurist
analysis of wireless potential.
- Delivery of draft report, September, 2003.
- Workshop to review draft report, around September 15, 2003.
- Publication of report by Oct 15, 2003.
- "Wireless Future" conference based on and extending report findings, 1Q 2004.
Sponsors include the University of Texas at Austin College of Engineering, the University
of Texas at Austin Wireless Networking and Communications Group, Andrews and Kurth, L.L.P.,
and the The Futures Lab.