Stronger together: The role of universities, industry and government in NSW’s future
The power of triple helix collaboration—the partnership between universities, industry, and government— is a key driver of innovation and economic growth in NSW. As NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Haskins writes in this month’s thought piece, the NSSN is a successful model, driving industry solutions, technological progress, and state innovation.
Universities can be complex places so some may view networks of universities as positively labyrinthine.
The reality is that great things happen when universities (and the bright minds that work in them) come together.
NSSN Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Haskins
The real magic happens when you bring that powerhouse together with industry and government.
The value of triple helix collaboration for NSW
That troika of universities, industry, and government, is referred to as “the triple helix”.
The phrase conjures an image of a triple-stranded DNA molecule, its strands interwoven to form the building blocks of life.
In much the same way, when universities, government and industry work together in concert, the foundations of great innovation are formed.
In today’s rapidly evolving economic and technological landscape, collaboration is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
The triple helix model is proving to be a powerful catalyst for innovation and economic growth.
For NSW, embracing this collaborative framework can unlock new opportunities, drive technological advancements, and foster sustainable development.
The role of the NSSN
A key example of triple helix collaboration in action is the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN).
Established by the NSW Government’s Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer in 2016, the NSSN is a consortium of the eight leading universities across NSW and the ACT.
Its mission is to accelerate solutions to complex and critical challenges by translating world-class smart sensing research into innovative solutions.
NSSN operates at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, brokering relationships and bringing together diverse expertise to tackle pressing societal challenges.
The network strategically maps smart sensing capabilities across its member universities, enabling multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research collaborations tailored to industry and government needs.
Strategic approaches to partnership building
NSSN’s approach to collaboration is demand driven.
It begins by identifying the pain points and knowledge gaps of government and industry partners. Instead of offering off-the-shelf solutions, the NSSN specialises in creating bespoke solutions where no existing technology meets the need.
By leveraging cutting-edge smart sensing technologies, the NSSN helps businesses gain a competitive advantage and assists government agencies in serving citizens more effectively.
The unique value proposition of the NSSN lies in its ability to connect partners with the right mix of research expertise across disciplines and institutions.
As a “one-stop shop,” it provides access to some of the brightest minds in Australia (and indeed globally), ensuring innovative solutions that drive real impact.
Case study
A standout example of NSSN’s impact is its collaboration with the Australian water sector.
The challenge of leaks and breaks in pipe infrastructure led to a $3.4 million R&D program involving Sydney Water. Credit: Supplied
The challenge of leaks and breaks in pipe infrastructure led to a $3.4 million R&D program involving Sydney Water and nine other water utilities across Australia working together with five universities across four interdisciplinary work packages spanning LiDAR sensing, acoustic sensing, data analytics, and quantum research.
It is this kind of complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-university, multi-client project where the NSSN adds value – serving as a non-profit, unbiased broker of collaboration.
The outcome was the development of new technologies and approaches now in operation at Sydney Water and other utilities.
The benefits are being realised both financially—saving millions of dollars per year—and environmentally—saving millions of litres of water annually.
This collaboration also spurred university spinouts, further enhancing the innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening NSW’s innovation ecosystem
Beyond individual projects, the NSSN plays a crucial role in strengthening NSW’s broader innovation ecosystem.
As an extension of the NSW Government’s innovation initiatives, the NSSN bridges the gap between government, universities, and industry.
Its unique position within all three sectors allows it to navigate stakeholder interests effectively and facilitate impactful collaborations.
Unlike traditional consultancy models, NSSN does not charge for its services, allowing it the freedom to operate with neutrality and pursue the best opportunities for impact.
In February 2025, Nicholas Haskins was interviewed by the University Industry Innovation Network’s (UIIN) Sarah Jaber for a podcast on Connecting Academia, Government and Industry for Smart Sensing Innovation.
Whether fostering new technologies, creating jobs, or driving social impact, the NSSN contributes to the long-term resilience and prosperity of NSW.
Future trends and directions in smart sensing
The future of smart sensing lies increasingly in artificial intelligence (AI).
While NSSN remains focused on sensor technology, its interest extends beyond the devices themselves to the systems, sensor fusion, data analytics, and AI that drive smarter decision-making.
AI will be a game-changer in smart sensing, opening new opportunities for improved efficiency, accuracy, and predictive capabilities.
As such, the NSSN is evolving into an AI-driven network, positioning itself at the forefront of future technological advancements.
This shift will further enhance NSW’s leadership in smart sensing innovation, ensuring continued growth and competitive advantage.
Lessons for building effective innovation ecosystems
For organisations looking to replicate the success of the NSSN in fostering innovation ecosystems, several key lessons emerge:
Patience: Building effective collaborations takes time and long-term commitment.
Government Support: Consistent policy settings and funding mechanisms are essential for sustained impact.
Flexibility: While a well-defined strategy is important, the ability to pivot and respond to emerging opportunities is critical.
The NSSN exemplifies the power of triple helix collaboration, demonstrating that when government, universities, and industry work together, the outcomes can be transformative.
By continuing to build and strengthen these partnerships, NSW can position itself as a global leader in innovation, economic resilience, and sustainable progress.