This is a new $236 million program to harness university expertise to retool manufacturing and create new skilled jobs. The plan is to:
- Sponsor up to 20 research hubs in fields such as engineering, communications, nanotechnology, metals, food, energy, textiles, building and automotive.
- Fund up to 50 training centres, putting 600 PhD students and postdocs on the factory floor.
The new program will be run by the Australian Research Council. The government will put up to $1 million a year into each hub, with matching funds from industry. Also announced were 1000 engineering cadetships over the next 4 years.
Silverhawk comment
1. This is strange timing because it preempts the recently announced review of manufacturing. However in the context of Minister Carr’s demotion from Cabinet a few days later, we suspect that PM Gillard was happy to sign off this as a farewell present.
2. Where wouldAustraliaout 50 research hubs related to manufacturing? We suspect that a broad definition will be applied.
3. These hubs could be much more dynamic if a whole of government approach was taken i.e. ramp them up by incorporating the National Broadband Network, a design program, perhaps some state government infrastructure funding, Austrade research on new market opportunities.
