Stronger research capabilities and greater collaboration between researchers, innovators, industry and government will enable the rail manufacturing sector to boost productivity, take advantage of smart manufacturing opportunities, compete in international markets and progress Australia’s zero emissions goals in transport.
The Rail Industry Innovation Council (the council) will play a key role in delivering the actions under this pillar. The council will also drive a more substantial body of work under Phase 2 of the National Rail Manufacturing Plan to assess the national rail innovation system and consider options to support stronger innovation outcomes.
Action 1: Encourage more effective collaboration and stronger connections between industry and the rail research sector
| Sub action | Indicative timeframe (calendar year) |
|---|---|
| Identify and build connections between industry and the research and design sectors to support commercialisation and adoption of smart, sustainable rolling stock manufacturing in Australia. | Ongoing |
Action 2: Improve industry awareness of government initiatives that support innovation and commercialisation
| Sub action | Indicative timeframe (calendar year) |
|---|---|
| The Rail Industry Innovation Council will work with ONRIC to promote innovation and commercialisation initiatives within the rail manufacturing sector. | By end Q2, 2024 |
Future actions
Under Phase 2 of the National Rail Manufacturing Plan, the council will map the national rail innovation system, consider the key barriers and enablers to developing and adopting innovation, and assess the value and focus of a priority growth plan to boost research and innovation outcomes in the rail sector. This work will build on evidence collected in Pillar 1 of this strategy to better understand the role of procurement in innovation outcomes and Pillar 3 work on supply chain competitiveness and resilience.