Survey reveals innovation levels in Hunter manufacturing

The eagerly anticipated results are in from a government-backed survey of more than 200 Hunter engineering based manufacturing companies.

Designed to determine the region’s level of skills and participation in innovative practices, the survey was conducted by the Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF).

Results show approximately 40 per cent of participating companies exhibit highly innovative characteristics.

The survey has also revealed the differing levels of innovation between small and large companies with smaller bodies, not surprisingly, finding it much harder to focus on the broader strategic issues required to encourage and maintain innovation.

The delivery of the survey results completes the first stage of a co-ordinated program to promote increased levels of innovation in Hunter manufacturing companies.

The ‘Model for Action’ program was developed by HunterNet — a network of Hunter-based manufacturing companies — in response to the decline of the local manufacturing sector.

The initiative draws on several overseas experiences where entire regions have undergone a substantial turnaround or ‘rebirth’ in manufacturing activity as a consequence of similar programs.

According to HunterNet Chairman, Steven Smith, it is vital that Hunter manufacturing companies develop and embrace innovative practices to ensure they remain competitive in the long term.

‘Despite its decline in recent years, manufacturing maintains a very important role here in the Hunter and is still the second largest employer behind retail trade,’ said Mr Smith.

‘We believe its significance and employment generating potential can be further improved by concentrating on knowledge intensive industries.

‘In short, Hunter companies must build on their technology, skills and training to claim a share of the new manufacturing sector competing in the global marketplace,’ added Mr Smith.

The NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) supported the ‘Model for Action’ program through the provision of funding for the survey.

A working party has been formed to assist in the development of a ‘smart’ manufacturing sector in the Hunter based on technology and innovation. It includes representatives from DSRD, the University of Newcastle, Hunter Institute of Technology, Hunter Export Centre, the Industry Development Centre, HunterNet, the Hunter Economic Development Corporation, Hunter Area Consultative Committee, and some of the Hunter’s top manufacturing companies.

Following on from the results of the survey, the next phase of the program is to develop of a series of detailed objectives and strategies designed to increase innovation in Hunter EBMs.

The strategies are prioritised based on a staged implementation within a six month, 12 month and two year timeframe. The initiatives are detailed in

For further information, please contact:

Steven Smith
HunterNet Chairman

Ph: 4961 6544

Innovation in Hunter Engineering Based Manufacturers — a Model for Action available by calling HunterNet on 4908 7380.

Prepared on behalf of HunterNet Co-operative by Thompson Communications

Contact Sally-Anne Thompson on 0425 327 888

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