Case Study - Strengthening Sovereign Defence Supply Chains

Australia's Small and medium-sized enterprises play a critical role in Australia's sovereign defence capability. However, many manufacturers face barriers to adopting advanced technologies, developing workforce capability and participating in major defence programs.

As defence supply chains become increasingly digital, there is a growing need to understand how SMEs can access opportunities and build the capability required to participate in complex national projects.

Factory of the Future undertook a comprehensive industry engagement project to better understand the experiences, aspirations and challenges facing SME manufacturers operating within the defence ecosystem.

Working directly with manufacturers and industry stakeholders, researchers examined levels of Industry 4.0 readiness, barriers to technology adoption and opportunities for greater participation in defence supply chains. 

The project explored how SMEs engage with emerging manufacturing technologies, workforce development initiatives and collaborative innovation programs. It also examined the support structures needed to strengthen connections between defence primes, research institutions and local manufacturers. 

The project provided valuable insight into the capability needs of Australia's defence manufacturing sector.

Findings helped identify practical pathways for strengthening supply chain participation, accelerating technology adoption and building workforce capability across defence-related industries.

The research reinforced the importance of collaboration between industry, government and research organisations in developing sovereign manufacturing capability and demonstrated Factory of the Future's ability to engage directly with industry to address complex ecosystem challenges. 

The project continues to inform discussions about how Australian manufacturers can participate in and benefit from major defence programs.

Projects:

• True North: Key Themes for Accelerating the Uptake and Diffusion of Industry 4.0 Technology in Shipbuilding and the Supply Chain
• Making Waves: Enhancing the Enterprise Journey Towards Industry 4.0 Through Engagement and Dissemination

Partners:

BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Flinders University, Factory of the Future (formerly Australian Industrial Transformation Institute).

Funding:

These projects are based on work funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (Innovative Manufacturing CRC) in collaboration with BAE Systems Australia - Maritime.