NEC Australia and Western Sydney University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a collaborative agreement that will focus on generating purpose-led and innovative outcomes to enhance growth, development and opportunities in Western Sydney.
The partnership builds on a shared vision to utilise expertise, resources and networks to ensure one of the fastest growing regions in Australia is at the forefront of research, technology and sustainability.
Working together, NEC Australia and Western Sydney University will focus on a range of projects and initiatives including joint research, developing and piloting innovative new technologies, community engagement opportunities and shared advocacy.
The partnership will explore opportunities across five key focus areas, including urban transformation and smart city development; net zero cities and sustainability; cybersecurity, agritech, and The University's Factory of the Future.
NEC Australia CEO, Jason Price, says this MoU demonstrates both organisations commitment to helping shape the Western Sydney of the future, to be both connected and sustainable.
"NEC Australia and Western Sydney University are building on our existing relationship and we are excited about the potential our collective resources can have on advancing the development of Western Sydney," he says.
"Western Sydney presents an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of smart city design in Australia. The MoU demonstrates the potential we see in Western Sydney, and we look forward to exploring ways to incorporate innovative technology and research to shape a smarter, more sustainable and better-connected region."
Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover AO, says that as an institution serving Western Sydney, the University is pleased to collaborate with NEC Australia through a Shared Vision Partnership for the benefit of the people of the region.
"Western Sydney University is delighted to work with NEC Australia to explore opportunities across research, development and learning to drive innovation and to support some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region," he says.
"Providing valuable opportunities for staff, researchers, students and the broader community through a focus on shared advocacy, integrated learning and new technologies, the collaboration will leverage the University's expertise in smart city development, cybersecurity, sustainability and agri-tech."
Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, adds, "There is a wealth of potential to be unlocked through university-industry partnerships.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with NEC Australia to reach beyond the frontier of innovation and technological change," she says.
The MoU will build upon and strengthen interrelated and collaborative opportunities shared between NEC Australia and Western Sydney University, including a commitment to working in the Western Parkland City, the new Bradfield City Centre and Western Sydney International Airport.