I would not normally consider the arrival of a new phone to be newsworthy.  However, this one is different – the team behind it have developed a high-performance smartphone that has sought to place social and environmental values at its core without compromising on quality. Steps take include sourcing of minerals from conflict-free mines, a worker welfare fund, social assessment of factory procedures, reducing waste in the supply chain and investing profits into the establishment of recycling fund.  I was particularly impressed by the fairphone blog (yes much more active than this one for starters) that revealed in some detail the steps taken, their successes – but was also very honest about the barriers and limits.  This transparency provided a fascinating insight into the complexity of implementing social and environmental values into global supply chains, and its honesty is refreshing.

They have now sold and shipped their first 25,000 units – and I am a proud owner of a specially marked “First Edition” phone.  Aside from my natural passion for sustainable living, this initiative seemed particularly relevant to the iBUILD Infrastructure Business Models research programme that I lead.  A core goal of iBUILD is to try and harness the social and environmental value of infrastructure.  Parts of the iBUILD programme explicitly focus on issues around the infrastructure supply chain and the interdependencies between infrastructure and the economy – that provide challenges but also opportunities.  Although the gulf between mobile phones and infrastructure may seem large, I think there is much that we can learn from the fairphone journey!

As in the UK, Australia is seeking to extract more value for each infrastructure dollar invested.  SMART have identified a number of recommendations based upon three infrastructure imperatives:

• Establish an Australian Infrastructure Market
• Enhance attractiveness of infrastructure for private funding
• Overhaul infrastructure for radical innovation and productivity growth

The emphasis on funding and innovation to stimulate growth is a core driver behind the CESER led iBUILD infrastructure business models project.

The full report can be downloaded from:

http://issuu.com/uniofwollongong/docs/infrastructure_imperatives_for_aust

Two recent reports by the Public Accounts Committee highlight the important role the CESER led iBUILD Infrastructure Business Models Research Centre has to play in facilitating infrastructure delivery.

The first, on Integration across government and Whole-Place Community Budgets highlights the benefits of a strong evidence base for greater integration of services – particularly at the local level. Although disappointing there is no specific mention of infrastructure the message about the importance of integration is clear. 

The other report, looked at the rollout of rural broadband, is another example of the limits of current business models for infrastructure.  Interestingly in the context of rural broadband, some communities are really innovating and exploring alternative approaches to owning and deploying infrastructure.

Until we are able to apply business models that capitalise on the opportunities afforded by interdependencies and delivery of integrated services; capture the wider economic, social and environmental benefits provided by infrastructure; and balance local needs with national priorities it seems unlikely that we will deliver good value for money to the nation.  iBUILD has just begun its journey but intends to deliver alternative approaches that address these issues, and work with public, private and third sector partners to encourage their uptake.