Australia can draw many lessons from the development of export industries located close to well-networked airports in the United States. A report from the United States Studies Centre Innovation and Entrepreneurship program examines industry clusters in defence, agtech and medtech and points to the opportunity presented by looking to the future now, given Western Sydney Airport operation commences in 2026.   

The report was launched at this event by NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney the Hon. Stuart Ayres, MP and with a panel discussion examining the future of Western Sydney Airport industries, along with how research institutions can work together with industry to encourage the formation of industry clusters. 

Report author Justin Wastnage presented insights into the US development of industry clusters in aerospace, agtech and medical devices. His presentation was followed by a panel featuring: 

• Mike Gallagher (Strategy Director for defence industry prime Northrop Grumman Australia), 
• Serena Lee (Co-founder of indoor vertical farming startup Farmwall), and
• Professor Simon Ringer (Academic Director of Core Research Facilities, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Sydney).