Innovative Manufacturing CRC closes its doors after seven years

The Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre has concluded its seven-year term, it announced on Tuesday.

The CRC – which published a report by ACIL Allen in December showing a projected $4.2 billion in new revenues and 6,000 new jobs by 2030 as a result of its projects – supported 71 projects over its term, involving 78 industry partners, 13 universities and the CSIRO. It delivered $40 million in federal funding to collaborative projects over its term.

IMCRC Chair Ian Macfarlane, a former federal industry minister, said in a statement that what set the organisation apart was a “commitment to operating with strong commercial principals, and in a timeframe that met industry’s needs.

The approach delivered a significant return on investment, including through the ownership of intellectual property and commercialisation of technology, said Macfarlane.

“I would like to thank the Board for their tireless dedication to the success of the IMCRC, and CEO and Managing Director, David Chuter, and his team for their incredible work supporting participants on their innovation journeys. Their efforts have made IMCRC arguably Australia’s most successful CRC,” he added.

According to the ACIL Allen report, IMCRC-backed projects also led to 224 collaborations and new partnerships, planned investment of $2 billion in future R&D, and a reduction of 3,300,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Further reading

IMCRC SHOWCASES INDUSTRY/RESEARCH COLLABORATION

INDUSTRY-LED RESEARCH DRIVES MANUFACTURING GROWTH – REPORT

WHAT NEXT FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH CENTRES?