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Assistive tech
1. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES – A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR GEELONG
Geelong is in a unique position to be a global leader in
Assistive Technologies and an international centre for
disability and frailty services development – a market
sector with perpetual growth, both here and overseas.
WHAT ARE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES?
Assistive Technology refers to the breadth of equipment, or
technical interventions, in the home, workplace and for
transportation that are needed by people who are frail or
rehabilitating, and for people with a disability. These
technologies might be highly specialised, personalised to
meet individual needs, or they may be as mainstream as
an ipad put to an innovative use. Combined with
appropriate health care services, these technologies
enable people to participate as fully and independently as
possible in community life.
WHAT IS AN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES SECTOR?
This industry eco-system would drive systemic
collaboration between businesses, researchers, health
services and training. New local economies would evolve
around advanced manufacturing, equipment modification
and supply, aged care services, ICT, sensors and for
international students. These industries would accelerate
the commercialisation of related services and products,
and produce a steady stream of new SMEs in a dedicated
Assistive Technologies sector.
Within this eco-system there could be a central agency or
‘infrastructure service’ which would be external to, but
aligned with the major government funders. It would
stimulate innovation and competition at both an individual
and a systems level, and set the pace for the competitive
supply of personalised product options for clients of the
social insurers.
WHY GEELONG?
Geelong already has the components needed to
create an Assistive Technology industry eco-system.
A co-ordinated approach is all that is required to build
on existing strengths. This offers significant economic
and social benefits for the region as a whole.
Geelong has become the regional and national hub
for social insurance. It is home to the headquarters
of the National Disabilities Insurance Agency,
Transport Accident Commission, and WorkSafe
Victoria. Together these three organisations form the
backbone of the newly created Australian Injury and
Disability Insurance Network (AIDIN) positioning
Geelong as the centre of excellence in the field.
A confluence of major health providers including
Barwon Health, the recently won Primary Health
Network, approximately 30 residential aged care
facilities, St John of God, Epworth and the McKellar
Centre are all established in Geelong and they are
increasingly focussed on research and innovation in
the provision of their services. This combined industry
expertise and access to big data is unparalleled in SE
Asia.
A significant manufacturing skills base and
infrastructure exists in Geelong and manufacturers
are seeking ways to diversify or transform to mitigate
the shrinkage of the traditional heavy industry base.
Opportunities also exist to efficiently re-condition, re-
modify and re-issue used equipment, with client
specific requirements driving the approach.
The NDIS Barwon trial site could provide the proving
ground for the next generation of health care - a client
centred response to the development of assistive
technologies and health services, highly personalised
for people with a disability.
Research and industry partnerships both Deakin
University and CSIRO are driving innovation and
design in metals, chemicals, fibres, biotech and
advanced manufacturing practices.
2. Advanced manufacturing is gaining traction with
exciting new developments in future fibre research,
world first carbon fibre technology, i-manufacturing,
additive manufacturing, device sensors, and more.
World class success stories are emerging from
local SMEs which are developing smart technology
solutions in related fields such as sports technologies.
Geelong’s transport assets including Avalon Airport,
national road and rail links, and port infrastructure will
support links into national and global supply chains.
THE SCALE OF THE OPPORTUNITY
A snapshot of the Assistive Technologies market data
gives a sense of the scale of the opportunity, and points to
areas where efficiencies can be achieved;
One in every ten Australians relies on Assistive
Technology in their daily lives. (ABS 2004)
9% of the Australian population under the age of 65
experience core activity limitations ranging from mild to
severe. The number leaps to approximately 40% for
people over 65.
The Assistive Technology market in Australia has
been estimated at between $3.6B and $4.5B annually.
(ATSA 2013; AIHW 2011; AEAA 2010)
In 2010–11 $600M was spent on Assistive Technology
by the primary state/territory (27%) and federal (73%)
Assistive Technology programs.
Approximately 80–90% of Assistive Technology is
currently imported. Specialist retailers in Australia
obtain their stock from approximately 300 Assistive
Technology importers / distributors, with about 80% of
Assistive Technology coming from less than 40
manufacturers / importers.
Effective Assistive Technology provision can reduce
long-term care costs and healthcare costs, increase
participation in employment and education, and
significantly improve the lives of people of all ages with
a disability. (Audit Commission 2000, 2004; AIHW
2006; Heywood & Turner 2007) .
An estimated 440,000 people are expected to
participate in the National Disability Insurance
Scheme. (Productivity Commission Report 2011)
GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS SUPPORT
A number of factors indicate the readiness of both
government and business to embrace the opportunity
around Assistive Technologies;
Government recognises that a new model for Assistive
Technology provision is required. The previous role of
government as the selection agent, purchaser and
owner on behalf of people with a disability does not
reflect current values around consumer choice and
control in both disability and aged care service
provision.
$1.3 billion in approved government funding has been
assigned to industry transition, entrepreneur
development and employee re-skilling initiatives over
the next few years.
Business confidence in Geelong is high, with three out
of four local firms confident about their own and
Geelong’s future. Nearly 40% indicate they are likely to
employ more staff in 2015.
WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
A thriving industry eco-system would deliver;
Next generation healthcare for what will soon be 25%
of the Australian population.
Better health outcomes and quality of life for seniors,
disabled and chronic care patients (staying in work
longer, living at home longer).
Economic growth for Geelong by developing next
generation (advanced manufacturing) products, and
(supporting healthcare) services.
Targeted and efficient use of social insurance funds
(faster return to work, shorter care stays/plans).
A flexible and responsive training industry delivering a
national and international highly skilled workforce into
many segments of the health care supply chain.
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