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Flinders University VC Professor Colin Stirling . Picture : Keryn Stevens
Gone are the days of siloed approaches between universities and industries .
Close connection
New partnership aims to ‘ change lives and change the world ’.
By Wade Zaglas
A memorandum of understanding has been signed by tech giant Siemens and Flinders University to collaborate in critical areas such as energy efficiency , defence and food and beverage . The broad scope of the agreement , which has been called “ critical to the state of South Australia ” can be summarised as the ‘ Technology-Education Partnership ’.
Siemens Australia Chairman and CEO Jeff Connolly signed off on the MoU and highlighted the need for education institutions and industries to work together more closely than ever .
“ Gone are the days of siloed approaches between universities and industries ,” he said .
“ It ’ s only together that we can truly drive a future workforce with hi-tech skills and jobready outcomes that will meet the needs of business and society .”
South Australia ’ s Flinders University is a founding partner with the South Australian Government of the Tonsley Innovation District , while Siemens has been “ an anchor tenant ” at the site since its early days .
“ Flinders University is one of South Australia ’ s great educational institutions and we ’ ve had a long-standing relationship with them , especially having experienced the success and growth of the Tonsley redevelopment together ,” Connelly added .
“ This MoU is about formalising that relationship and setting us on a path that will support South Australia in vital areas such as defence , food and beverage and energy efficiency .
“ I particularly like the Flinders University mission , which is to … change lives and change the world . This very much aligns with our view of the world and the role of technology in transforming the world and creating a sustainable future – environmentally , economically and socially .”
Both Flinders and Siemens see this as an opportune , “ pivotal time ” for the state to secure its future into the long term . In engaging in partnerships such as these , SA can take advantage of “ its many strengths and natural assets and opportunities by embracing areas such as digital skills development ”.
Professor Colin Stirling , president and vice-chancellor of Flinders University , outlined the necessity of industry and academic collaboration , as well as the importance of the MoU with Siemens .
“ Partnering with Siemens means that we collaborate directly with one of the world ’ s largest and most technologically advanced companies whose hi-tech software , automation and electrification are behind everything from NASA ’ s Mars Rover program to major navy and airforce programs in the US and UK , and much of the food and beverage industry including locally famous Coopers Brewery and even Haigh ’ s Chocolates ,” Stirling said .
“ Over the years I ’ ve been fortunate enough to experience first-hand the power of the German engineering and technology approach and have visited a number of Siemens facilities and reference sites in Germany . Siemens is a very impressive organisation and I look forward to the outcomes this MoU will lead to for our students as well as South Australia in general .
“ I want our university to be the source of Australia ’ s most enterprising graduates .
“ And to achieve this we need to be working closely with the most enterprising companies who have passed the test of time . Not only are Siemens the largest industrial software company , the largest automation company and behind much of the world ’ s electrification but they ’ re also part of the fabric of South Australia having founded the Australian business right here in 1872 with the commissioning of the Darwin- Adelaide overland telegraph .”
The MoU is geared towards worldchanging ambitions such as net zero targets , the transition to the fourth industrial revolution ( a German-born concept known as Industry 4.0 ), the development of more intelligent cities and infrastructure , and bolstering the nation ’ s sovereign defence capability , in which South Australia plays a key role .
“ By embracing digitalisation including hi-tech software , digital twin technologies and data platforms , our local industries can improve quality , reduce costs and operational downtime , increase speed , achieve higher safety standards , be more efficient with scarce resources , gain flexibility to pivot during times like COVID - and ultimately be more competitive and have a greater positive impact ,” Stirling concluded .
“ This MoU is an important signal in the future of the university and in having a far more integrated and collaborative approach to building the workforce of the future .” ■
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