RMIT University has received a $30,000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government for the proposed Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Future Aviation which will create an industry-driven research centre that will push aviation growth plans in the Asia Pacific.
According to a media release, there are many opportunities that the Victorian aviation sector can take advantage of as a result of the aggressive developments in the Asia Pacific, including new investment in aircraft manufacturing in China, aviation hub developments in Hong Kong and Singapore, and other airport constructions and aircraft purchases in the region.
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the $30,000 grant will be used to extend the search for research partners outside Australia and engage small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Part of a new offering under the Government’s Victorian CRC Bid Support Program, the grant will support the building of critical local and overseas partnerships that are essential for the development of the CRC proposal, designed to boost capability in Australia’s and Victoria’s aviation and manufacturing sectors,” Ms Asher said.
Ms Asher said part of the government’s plan to growing innovative businesses in Victoria is to target more CRCs in the State. Victoria has hosted 19 successful CRC bids since 2004, securing more than $535 million in Commonwealth Government funding.
“Victoria is a recognised centre for innovation and aims to lead the nation on key research/industry collaboration initiatives such as CRCs,” she said.
CRC for Future Aviation’s bid leader Professor Aleksander Subic said the Victorian Government’s CRC Bid Partnering Grant has given RMIT University the opportunity to strengthen strategic engagement with industry and create jobs at a time when other industries are under pressure.
“The cooperative research undertaken by the CRC for Future Aviation aims to develop world leading technologies and solutions, and innovative business practices in aviation,” Professor Subic said.
“These partnerships will be of ongoing benefit to the Australian economy and indeed in Victoria, the hub of aviation activity in the country.”
Victoria is currently home to 16 CRCs which play an important role in expanding knowledge, developing innovative products and new services and tools in the State’s automotive, manufacturing, health, emergency management and water industries.
