Accelerating Building 4.0 CRC research translation and impact (in progress)

What we are doing and why

Building is one of the largest sectors of today’s global economy, so it is essential that the building industry benefits from the latest research findings and new knowledge created through rigorous research initiatives. To enable industry to co-create and draw on Australian research and technology, and for the Australian research ecosystem to engage with industry to conduct research, both sectors must upskill their researchers and industry professionals in collaboration, engagement and adoption of innovations across sectors. The capability gaps for researchers and industry professionals increase the difficulties of adopting and translating research into industry impact and industry outcomes. They also hinder effective translation and investigation of industry problems in research projects.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is supporting research by the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and The University of Melbourne to investigate the capability gaps that impact effective collaborations between researchers and building industry leaders for producing sector-level changes.

This research project aims to support the Building 4.0 CRC’s vision of developing a thriving Australian advanced manufacturing sector by enabling industry to direct and draw on Australian research through a scalable methodology that upskills researchers and industry professionals in collaboration, engagement and adoption of innovations. As part of this project, two professional development programs will be available for B4.0CRC researchers and industry partners.

The University of Melbourne’s Associate Professor Niharika Garud is leading with research.

The project is jointly funded by the Building 4.0 CRC, Cruxes Innovation, VBA and industry partners A.G. Coombs, BlueScope Steel, Sumitomo Forestry Australia, and The Master Builders Association of Victoria.

What we have achieved so far

This research project commenced in December 2023 and is due for completion in 2024-25.