The South Australian Government and the University of Adelaide have officially launched a significant partnership to attract greater investment into South Australia and deliver greater economic benefits to the state’s primary industries sector.
According to a recent press release, the partnership will utilise each other’s strengths to generate high-value outcomes, including potential for export opportunities as well as to attract greater external research funding.
This involves the University and the State Government, through the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)’s research division, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
The Partnership
Collaborative research will expand to embrace expertise in areas such as computer science, big data, and machine learning, for the application of new technologies.
This new partnership is a wonderful example of the kinds of synergistic relationships that will drive discovery and innovation, yielding benefits for the staff and students, for agricultural industries, for farmers, and for the economy.
The partnership will foster closer relationships between industry and researchers. By sharing expertise and capability, positive outcomes for industry can be achieved.
It will also encourage further exploration in developing and utilising AgTech, which is critical to assist researchers and growers alike to overcome challenges and improve efficiency in food and fibre production for the future.
Boosting the primary industries sector
Additionally, it will meet the goals of the Government’s growth agenda, designed to lift the state’s competitiveness and attract greater investment into the primary industries.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone shared that the partnership is expected to generate high-value outcomes for South Australia’s primary industries.
South Australia’s agriculture, food and beverage, fisheries and forestry industries play a vital part in growing the State’s economy.
Continuing to strengthen research and development through these industries is a key driver behind this partnership.
Working together is key
SARDI researchers and facilities have been co-located at the University of Adelaide’s Waite and Roseworthy campuses for decades.
While there has been much cooperation, the new partnership deepens the relationship and is keeping with the University’s strategic industry engagement priority for agrifood and wine.
This is outlined in the new strategic plan, Future Making.
By combining expertise and research efforts, they aim to confront the big issues faced by the primary producers. The results of which will be felt from the laboratory right through to the food people eat.
PIRSA’s researchers across the state will benefit from the leverage this partnership with the University offers.
Their focus is on delivering innovative world-leading applied research in order for South Australia’s primary industries to be internationally competitive.
Working together with the University will only enhance the organisation’s capability in this space.
