The Construction Sector Accord and Callaghan Innovation have agreed to partner to accelerate growth and innovation across construction businesses of every size and stage.
The partnership seeks to address systemic challenges and build resilience across the construction sector. As part of the agreement Callaghan Innovation will deliver several Accord initiatives through a new programme: Construction Activator.
The Construction Activator will bring together and build on existing business services supported by MBIE and Callaghan Innovation, such as the Regional Business Partner Network, Digital Boost and Business Mentors NZ, and offer an expanded, end-to-end business capability development programme that is targeted at construction businesses. This is aimed at being relevant for businesses at all stages, whether they are looking to accelerate their growth today, or make incremental improvements over time. Construction Activator is designed ‘to help build collaborative construction business communities’, as well as equipping business leaders with the skills and tools they need to improve business performance.
Making up seven per cent of our national GDP and employing 10% of the national workforce, the construction sector is a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy. It has been identified as one of eight industries with the potential to contribute to a future, high-productivity, high-wage, low-emissions economy.
"We won't see the real transformational shifts that the Construction Sector Accord is trying to achieve unless construction businesses are able to scale up,” says Accord Steering Group Co-Chair, Andrew Crisp.
“Through this partnership with Callaghan Innovation, we will create a central hub where businesses can access tools and resources, learn from each other, and get support to innovate and grow. The opportunity to unlock the productivity challenges facing the sector is massive.”
Callaghan Innovation Chief Executive Stefan Korn says he is delighted to support the construction industry to overcome these challenges and position itself for future success.
“It’s hard for business leaders to think about long-term growth when forces beyond their control mean they need to focus solely on the day-to-day, and even business survival.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with business leaders, researchers and industry organisations to help construction businesses overcome these big challenges, while also taking advantage of the opportunities innovation offers to support industry transformation.”
Korn says the soon to be developed Construction Activator programme will be central to Callaghan Innovation’s approach to driving transformation across the construction sector.
“The challenges are significant but so are the opportunities. We look forward to the journey, together,” adds Korn.
The partnership has already swung into action with live, in-person Connect Events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as online webinars.
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