The alliance, to be launched tonight, Monday
November 6, by His Excellency, Sir Eric Neal, AC, CVO, Governor of South Australia, brings
together UniSA’s capabilities in business, management, applicable mathematics, and
much sought-after polymer or plastics technology, and will provide support for the
State’s small to medium manufacturing businesses.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Denise Bradley says the
venture is an important partnership between UniSA and South Australian industries which
will provide a valuable network of R&D support and assist in boosting the State’s
important manufacturing sector.
"SA recorded the strongest economic growth in Australia
for the last June quarter but, to maintain a competitive edge in the global market place,
the manufacturing industry must access leading edge technology, foster product innovation
and subscribe to best practice management. This is where UniSA can assist particularly
smaller businesses that are often restricted from pursuing opportunities with a high
economic potential because of a lack of resources," said Professor Bradley.
"The alliance meets the needs of SA’s manufacturing
sector, encourages growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, and positions UniSA as
a hub for technology diffusion, education and training."
The funding, received through three Technology Diffusion
Program grants, will allow UniSA and its industry, government and community partners to
undertake three major initiatives, all providing direct benefits to manufacturers.
The National Institute for Manufacturing Management -
Smartlink – will hold 50 seminars in metropolitan and regional locations
about people-management, lean and agile production, supply chain management and the
importance of networks. Directed at key people in the manufacturing sector, the aim is for
SA manufacturers to adopt best practice to keep and set the pace in the international
market.
The seminars will be supported by an online news and
information service.
MI*Net – will be the troubleshooter -
applying maths to solve everyday industry and product problems. MI*Net is developing a
business plan to establish a national resource network of mathematics experts that have
been used to solve everything from how to stop cornflakes from going soggy to supply and
networking problems for major industries.
"While the funding for each project was awarded
separately, UniSA has identified greater potential benefits with these key groups working
collaboratively," said Professor Bradley.
"We hope the alliance will lead to an Australia-wide
network of R&D support for the manufacturing sector and other industries."
The State’s manufacturing industry employs more than
100,000 people – one in seven South Australians. The sector is responsible for 17per
cent of the Gross State Product – more than mining, agriculture, construction and
tourism combined.
Michèle Nardelli (08) 8302 0966, 041 8823673
