In Summary

  • Swinburne’s Industry 4.0 Initiative has won the 2019 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation
  • Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and rapid technological changes such as automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things
  • Swinburne is the only university in Australia with a holistic Industry 4.0 strategy

Swinburne has been awarded the 2019 Australian Business Award (ABA) for Business Innovation for its Industry 4.0 Initiative.

Now in their fourteenth year, the ABA program honours high-performing organisations that implement world-class business initiatives and develop innovative products and services.

Industry 4.0: the next frontier

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and the rapid technological changes — for example in automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things — that are disrupting how businesses operate across industries. Swinburne is working with global industry to solve challenges and create opportunities from this profound transformation, and is the only university in Australia with a holistic Industry 4.0 strategy.

“Swinburne is very proud of its Industry 4.0 Initiative, and we are pleased to have it recognised with an Australian Business Award,” says Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Aleksandar Subic.

“Swinburne has made a real difference through its strategic industry links, preparing our business partners, as well as the current and future workforce for Industry 4.0 transformations. We have positioned ourselves as a national and international leader in Industry 4.0 research, innovation and education across the entire continuum - from vocational to research training.”

A winning formula

Swinburne’s Industry 4.0 Initiative focuses on strong industry relationships for social and economic impact.  Its unique collaboration model has led to significant successes, including:

The Initiative is supported by Swinburne’s research Institutes who engage and collaborate with industry in the key sectors of manufacturing, smart cities, data science, health and social innovation, while the university’s Innovation Precinct provides timely, technology-based solutions to commercial partners.

The importance of innovation

“Each year the ABA100 Winners are recognised for their innovative initiatives, products and services, which are leading business and digital transformation within the Australian marketplace,” Australian Business Awards, Program Director, Tara Johnston says.

“Innovation is vital for every company, but it’s even more important for business growth and expansion. Innovation makes it easier to grow, regardless of the size of the business. You need new, unique ideas, and the ability to bring them to market before the competition,” Ms Johnston adds.

As a national winner, Swinburne will be given the opportunity to participate in the World Business Awards.