June 21, 2023

UOW and NEC Australia join forces to drive smart city innovations in the Illawarra

Partnership brings together UOW’s research expertise and NEC’s global leadership in technology and innovation

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and NEC Australia, a global leader in technology and innovation, have announced a strategic partnership to collaborate in the development of smart city projects in the Illawarra region.

The collaboration between UOW and NEC Australia will explore and implement cutting-edge solutions for the benefit of the Illawarra community, with a focus on:

• Smart Cities: Leveraging the power of emerging technologies to build intelligent and sustainable urban environments that enhance the quality of life

• Transport Technologies: Exploring innovative solutions to improve transportation systems, including intelligent traffic management, autonomous vehicles, and mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms
  

• Asset Management: Developing efficient asset management systems using Internet of Things (IoT) devices, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for optimised resource allocation

• Infrastructure Systems: Enhancing the resilience and reliability of critical infrastructure systems through the integration of digital technologies, enabling proactive maintenance and effective utilisation of resources

• Sustainability and Circular Economy: Promoting eco-friendly practices and circular economy principles to minimize waste generation, reduce carbon footprint, and create sustainable business models

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow welcomed the partnership with NEC Australia which will also provide great opportunities for graduates and students to shape the future of their region.

“University of Wollongong and NEC Australia are world leaders in their respective fields of expertise, and we believe the new partnership aligns with our vision to work collaboratively with industry leaders to explore economic, environmental and social outcomes for our region,” Professor Currow said.

“The collaboration brings together the academic expertise of UOW’s exceptional research and NEC's technological prowess, paving the way for ground-breaking research, development, and implementation of smart city solutions in the Illawarra region.

“Working together we can draw on our collective knowledge and resources to undertake research and projects that create a smarter, more accessible and sustainable city of Wollongong.  We also believe this partnership is an exciting opportunity for our graduates and current students to play a role in the evolution of their city and surrounding region.”

NEC Australia CEO, Jason Price, said the partnership with UOW would help generate innovative opportunities to enhance the city of Wollongong and surrounding areas.

“NEC and the University of Wollongong are two like-minded organisations coming together to share their respective areas of expertise, insights and resources to generate positive outcomes for the city of Wollongong,” Price said.

“Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales and is growing at a rapid rate. We believe working with the University of Wollongong to incorporate innovative technology solutions and sustainable practices will play an important role in helping create a smarter more efficient city for the people of Illawarra.”

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

UOW is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which provide a shared blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. The collaboration with NEC Australia addresses Goal 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The University ranked 61^st in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

_{Main Pic: Back row (L-R): Dr. Paul Di Pietro, Andrew Thompson (NEC), Leo Stevens, Zahra Shahbazian, Professor Christian Ritz}

_{Front row (L-R): Jason Price, President and CEO, NEC Australia and New Zealand, and Professor David Currow, UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures).}