The creation of a new $29.8 million Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre will bring our brightest researchers and manufacturers together to drive innovation through new and improved industrial products and processes.
“The Gillard Government is committed to supporting Australia’s industries, and this investment will boost innovation in the manufacturing sector for the future,” the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, said.
This important measure builds on the Gillard Government’s strong record of managing the economy in the interests of working Australians and spreading opportunity right across the community.
The new Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre will create, foster and leverage innovative Australian industrial design, engineering and product development, including through the spread of leading edge technologies, business processes and technical knowledge.
“This initiative will build on the Government’s existing business capability programs and help businesses realise new market opportunities, particularly in the Asian market,” Mr Combet said.
The Centre will be led by industry through the creation of a small number of sectoral collaborations involving major manufacturers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), public research agencies, including CSIRO, and universities.
Successful industry collaborations will also be able to draw on related innovation infrastructure and support, including:
- The services of Austrade; AusIndustry, Commercialisation Australia and Enterprise Connect;
- The new $236 million Industrial Transformation Research Program;
- Relevant Cooperative Research Centres (such as the Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, and Composites CRCs) and the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL);
- Skills and training through the National Workforce Development and Productivity Agency and associated Fund.
The initiative will provide examples of best practice to the rest of industry and utilise major manufacturers and industry arrangements to champion the diffusion of innovation across sectors.
It will also work to facilitate access by manufacturing SMEs to appropriate facilities with the aim of reducing risks associated with product development.
The initiative will assist growing manufacturing SMEs to be better managed, more capable and higher value enterprises. The Centre will support such enterprises to collaborate and innovate more effectively – key ingredients for success in a competitive manufacturing environment.
The Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing will consult with industry on implementation of this initiative.
Media Contact:
Minister Combet's office, Mark Davis 0400 295 560
Minister Combet's office, Gia Hayne 0412 060 406