Digital Health CRC

The Industry Issues

Like much of the world, Australia’s health costs as a percentage of GDP are increasing at a dramatic rate. In the 10 years to 2013-14, health expenditure grew much faster than inflation, the population and population ageing. The share of the economy (GDP) represented by health reached 10% for the first time in that year (Source AIHW). Public and private sector health organisations are recognising 'STEM' skills as mission critical, resulting in a spike in demand for health data scientists, health technologists and technology-literate clinical staff. Simultaneously citizens expect access to advanced health care and better health outcomes. It is also true that in most developed economies, health services are rapidly becoming digitised.

Our Solution

The Digital Health CRC engages a unique, multi-disciplinary collaboration of research, clinical, industry, government and educational organisations to focus research and development on combining these expertise with data, information and telecommunication technologies.

We are building an internationally competitive research and innovation centre, and our work is driven by our industry partners. We will address the identified industry issues by

• empowering consumers
• improving understanding and management of health risks of individuals and communities
• supporting clinical practice
• improving system efficiency and access to quality care,building and enhancing businesses to provide
• high value jobs and solutions in a growing global market, and
• Developing Australia's future digital Health workforce.

The Plan

In July 2017, The Digital Health CRC applied to the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centre Programme (Selection Round 17), a grant of $55 million for a seven‐year period commencing in July 2018. Having now been shortlisted for further consideration, and we will know in March/April 2018 if our application will be successful.

Over 60 organisations have joined the R&D consortium, ranging from health funders and providers, to large and small technology providers to a range of universities, from across Australia.

Timeline

AusIndustry Bid Timetable

October 2017         - Stage One outcomes and Stage Two opens

December 13 2017 - Stage Two applications close        

February 2018        - Interviews held

March 2018            - Successful CRCs announced

July 2018               - CRCs commence