AIIA and AEEMA proposed merger will not proceed

After a period of extensive investigation, the boards of both the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (AEEMA) have now decided to work together on common interests in close collaboration, rather than to proceed with a formal merger.

In April 2005, the associations announced the possibility of merging to create a new organisation to represent the diverse technology-based and wealth-creating industry sectors which underpin Australia's economy.

A joint steering committee was established to oversee the investigation and assessment of this proposal, which included joint member surveys, market research and comprehensive membership consultations. The boards, the two chief executive officers and their management teams collaborated to find ways of leveraging synergies and working together on common objectives.

It was quickly recognised that both organisations also provided unique offerings to their members which were highly valued by them, but not necessarily across the entire industry electrical safety compliance, lighting standards, software partnerships, meeting government CIOs to understand strategy and state-based branches are a few examples.

The conclusion of this investigation was that the merger was unlikely to provide the same level of support for members as that which currently exists.

AIIA and AEEMA will pursue some specific joint opportunities in areas such as export promotion, e-health, standards, and industry events.

"AIIA has also gained a deeper understanding of its own association and the needs of members, and as a result will be able to deliver a new suite of services based on information gained from feedback and surveys undertaken during the merger exploration process", says AIIA's CEO, Rob Durie.

"Part of our strategy is to demonstrate to key government, media and industry stakeholders that the ICT industry is not just an important sector in its own right, but is a driver of productivity, job growth, social advancement and economic prosperity for all Australians", Mr Durie says.