THE national Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) launched yesterday, with a mission to transform Australia’s $327 billion care economy over the next decade.

The CRC comprises 56 partners, including universities, health agencies, tech companies, and care providers, and is headquartered at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

Armed with a $129 million budget – including $35 million from the Australian Govt – the CRC is looking to deliver $1.4 billion in benefits over 15 years while positioning Australia as a global leader in care services and technology.

The CRC aims to address growing demand, workforce shortages, and low productivity in care services such as aged care, disability support, mental health, and early childhood education.

Key initiatives include:

* Technology Solutions – fast-track assistive technologies, robotics, apps, and AI tools to improve care quality and reduce manual tasks.

* Data solutions – develop connected systems for secure data exchange, AI-enabled decision support, and care navigation tools.

* Workforce innovation – upskill workers, create flexible career pathways, and improve digital literacy to support technology-enabled care.

“We will improve how care is delivered in Australia by enabling sector-wide transformation, boosting productivity, and delivering fit-for-purpose, people-centred solutions that meet the evolving needs of Australians,” said Deena Shiff, CRC Chair.

“Australian research has led to global transformation in many fields, supported by Cooperative Research Centres since 1990 – we plan to do the same,” she added.

Find out more HERE.

The post Addressing care needs of the future appeared first on Pharmacy Daily.