In the Hunter , these organisations are in close proximity , often co-located , which encourages greater collaboration and leads to rapid acceleration of innovation and commercial outcomes .
Having clarified our bona fides , the next step was to think about opportunities for growth in the sector : act where the gaps are , and do what is going to underpin future growth . Again , in consultation with our MedTeCCH partners , we identified eight opportunities that would lead to new partnerships , attract investment in the sector and generally build capacity . They are : Key MTP Precinct Tenant ; Digital Health – Coalition of Health and Technology Partners ; Clinical Trials ; Workforce Development – QMS + Cyber ; Additive Manufacturing ; Small batch pharmacology production for clinical trials ; Rapid prototyping , production and testing ; Research funding ( e . g ) ARC , Federal and State Governments .
So , now that we had a fairly complete picture of the region ’ s MTP industry base – we ’ d tested and analysed it – it was time to compile some material to promote it . We developed MTP : A Growth Sector for the Hunter Central Coast which converted our facts and stats into a holistic and consumable set of information to make the case for the Hunter Central Coast as a viable location for MTP research , production , investment and employment .
MTP : A Growth Sector for the Hunter Central Coast ( our capability statement ) has given us a reason to start conversations with governments and decision makers and the regional data has provided a level of legitimacy . Although there are gaps and there ’ s always more to do , it ’ s a start and a statement of purpose : it shows that the Hunter ’ s MTP sector is agreed on what we want our future to look like and how we ’ re going to get there .
And , it has already caught the attention of the NSW government . Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier , The Hon Gabrielle Upton MP commended RDA Hunter and local MTP companies for taking the initiative , saying it was a great example of industry , research and government collaborating to create more jobs , services and products . She said it is especially gratifying to see the Central Coast Hunter precinct draw on its industry strengths to positively contribute as a hub for research commercialisation and as an investment location .
Now , more than eighteen months into RDA Hunter ’ s journey to help strengthen the region ’ s MTP sector , its scoping project has grown into a thriving MTP cluster .
Truly industry-led and functioning on a ground-up approach to identifying and addressing industry need , MedTeCCH is agile and responsive . It represents and coordinates the Hunter Central Coast ’ s diverse and sophisticated MTP cluster and acts as the catalyst to achieving real , commercial outcomes .
MedTeCCH comprises more than 60 companies and organisations across industry , research , government and education , and over 120 people . It has generated strong and productive partnerships and is :
1 . The local voice and champion for the Hunter Central Coast MTP sector ;
2 . Building direct links to end-users and investors , including local and global health systems , with support for infrastructure , skills translation and R & D acceleration ; and ,
3 . Leading the growth and development of a sustainable , commercially successful MTP ecosystem to create and capitalise on research and innovation opportunities .
MedTeCCH is managed by RDA Hunter and supported by MTPConnect , AiGroup , Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre , NSW Health Pathology , Ampcontrol , Global Edge MedTech Consulting , Jurox , Whiteley Corporation , University of Newcastle , Hunter Medical Research Institute ( HMRI ), John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct , The Ideas Hub , Central Coast Local Health District , RDA Central Coast , Genesis Research Services , Paratus Clinical , Logikal Health , NSW Smart Sensing Network , Bosch Manufacturing Australia and Emeritus Prof Roy Green + many more partners and affiliate companies and organisations .
Actions are guided by a 10 person Executive representing the University of Newcastle , the John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct , Whiteley Corporation , Ampcontrol , NSW Health Pathology , Global
Edge MedTech Consulting , and Australia ’ s MTP Industry Growth Centre – MTP Connect . It is managed by a dedicated officer with a background in regional economic development .
It continues to develop close working associations with Investment NSW , the Australian Industry Growth Centres , Australian and NSW Ministers and relevant government departments to raise the profile of MedTeCCH and the Hunter as a base for MTP .
It is providing valuable support to industry , Health , government , education and its wider partner base during the design and implementation of projects that will significantly and positively impact the Hunter Central Coast , NSW and Australia . And it is facilitating industry partnerships that have the potential to lead to regional manufacturing opportunities .
MedTeCCH is an important initiative in the transitioning economy of the Hunter region . It is a case study of ground-up cluster development and an exemplar of specialisation in action : shared knowledge , relationships , motivation and place combining to create competitive strength .
More information : Trevor John trevor . john @ rdahunter . org . au
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
KATE O ’ MARA Kate has a particular interest in identifying , building on and raising awareness of the Hunter ’ s competitive advantages . She has worked as a project director and communications specialist in regional development for more than 20 years . Kate has enjoyed a long association with RDA Hunter , managing projects including Hunter Innovation Festivals , Innovation Scorecards and Smart Specialisation . She continues to work on the organisation ’ s special projects . Kate is leading the MedTeCCH initiative and has been instrumental in its development .
TREVOR JOHN Trevor John , B . A .( Adel ), Dip . App . Psych ., B . A . ( AFTRS ) RDA Hunter ’ s CEO and Director of Regional Development . With an industry-first mindset , he brings together local partners and economic development professionals to support the evolution of the regional economy to assist the Hunter to be globally competitive . Trevor has been with RDA Hunter for 10 years .
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