The West Australian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Food Industry Innovation program, has signed a four-year agreement to bring a worldfirst manufacturing initiative to Western Australia. WA is the first jurisdiction outside the UK to gain access to the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring program (Shoestring), which was developed by Cambridge University with the support of the UK Government. Shoestring supports low-cost and simple digitalisation for small to medium enterprises (SME) and has prioritised low-risk solutions that can be installed one at a time. The adoption of digital technologies is being flagged as essential for WA businesses to maintain international competitiveness. So, how does Shoestring work? The Shoestring experience starts with businesses attending group workshops that help identify their digitalisation priorities, then the Shoestring team works with individual businesses to tailor solutions to their needs. Hear more about the program at youtube.com/watch?v=BVKEQt52—8 or contact Food Industry Innovation on 08 9881 0221.