Future for advanced manufacturing

Submitted 2/03/2009

www.southaustralia.biz

A new report on South Australia's research and development capabilities in advanced manufacturing suggests that defence, health and ‘clean' technologies are key areas for future development.

Preliminary findings from the report, Mapping Capability in Advanced Manufacturing R&D in SA, have been released.

Sponsored by the State Government - through its Constellation SA ‘Research for Innovation' initiative and its Centre for Innovation - the report identifies the current advanced manufacturing research capabilities of 40 local enterprises and 19 faculties within the State's three local universities.

Science Minister Paul Caica says more collaboration between universities and industry will open up further opportunities for advanced manufacturing in the State.

"The preliminary research has found that almost 50% of companies surveyed are engaged in R&D with universities and more would engage if pathways to link them with the research sector were accessible," he says.

"It's also found that future opportunities for advanced manufacturing include clean technologies and alternative energies, mining, defence, health care and improving manufacturing processes.

"The Mawson Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is already beginning to deliver returns on the State's investment of $8 million. The major areas of specialisation - surface engineering, nano-manufacturing and virtual design - have led to major research collaborations with several local and international industry partners and universities."

"And our Constellation SA ‘Research for Innovation' initiative has seen over $1-million invested in supporting new research industry alliances and clusters over the past 18 months and the fostering of strategic research capability by grouping it in relevant precincts."

"Now that we have the preliminary findings of the Mapping Capability report, the State's Chief Scientist, Dr. Ian Chessell, will move to establish a steering group comprising industry and researchers, potentially as part of an Advanced Manufacturing Alliance."

Dr Ian Chessell says such an alliance could assist in recommending priorities for the development of further research partnerships with industry and for facilitating cluster growth and development.

"An excellent example of this is the thriving Medical Devices Partnering Program, a collaboration between South Australian researchers, end-users and industry to develop cutting-edge medical devices and assistive technologies, which results in new products in the market," Dr. Chessell says.

"South Australia has many natural advantages lending itself to the application of clean energy technologies including geothermal and solar. In the development and deployment of these, there are major opportunities for the State's advanced manufacturing sector."

SA Centre for Innovation Manager, Mr Greg Boundy, says the Centre was the key to successful partnerships between industry and university.

"The Centre for Innovation specialises in providing support in key industry sectors, helping South Australian businesses increase sales by opening new markets or increasing sales in existing markets," Mr. Boundy says.

"Our existing manufacturing base is a broad user of advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies and has extensive linkages with research institutions.  These should be built on and extended."