Business Hunter and the University of Newcastle will host a Hunter Nexus dinner later this month examining how government backed investment, clean energy and industrial development are influencing Australia’s manufacturing future.
The event, Manufacturing the Future: Investment, Industry and Energy in the Net Zero Era, will be held at Newcastle City Hall on Wednesday 22 July and is sponsored by Orica. It will bring together business, government, research and industry representatives to discuss national investment priorities and the industries expected to attract future support.
Investment and energy agencies in focus
The discussion will feature National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Chief Executive Officer David Gall and Australian Renewable Energy Agency Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller.
David Gall leads the NRF, a government investment body responsible for supporting eight priority sectors identified as important to Australia’s future economy. Darren Miller heads ARENA, the independent government agency that supports renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency and innovation projects.
Together, they will examine how investment, innovation and commercialisation are creating opportunities across manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and emerging industries.
Examining industrial change
The event comes as investment across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure and research continues to reshape industrial activity.
According to Business Hunter, the discussion will explore how the transition to net zero is changing energy systems, industrial processes and manufacturing supply chains, and how those changes are influencing investment decisions and new industrial activity.
Attendees will also hear how the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and ARENA are supporting a lower carbon economy, alongside discussion about collaboration on regionally important projects.
Focus on manufacturing capability
Key themes include Australia’s manufacturing agenda, clean energy innovation, industrial capability, investment priorities for future industries and infrastructure, and collaboration between research organisations and industry.
The program will also examine the contribution regional economies make to national productivity and consider opportunities to attract investment and expand industrial capability.
Business Hunter said attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where investment is flowing, which industries are being prioritised nationally and how organisations can position themselves to capitalise on the next wave of industrial growth.
Bringing decision makers together
Business Hunter describes Hunter Nexus as a forum that brings together senior leaders from business, government, industry and academia to discuss the issues shaping the region’s future.
The event is expected to attract decision makers from manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, research, investment and government, providing an opportunity to hear directly from two of Australia’s leading public investment organisations while strengthening connections across sectors that will influence future industrial development.
