Accenture opens Perth innovation hub for mining and energy
Mining and energy companies in Australia looking to develop innovative solutions to market challenges will now have a sophisticated place to do so in Accenture’s new Innovation Hub in Perth. Accenture professionals from a variety of background will be involved in the innovation process for support.
Both the mining and energy sectors are currently facing a world of disruption. Technology has brought dynamism for both, as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics among others start to play a key role in large-scale operations.
Sustainability is another major disruptor reshaping the face of the two industries. The mining and energy sectors are emission heavy, and the economic drive towards sustainability is forcing many companies to reexamine their operations. In the mining sector, for instance, pressure to become sustainable has pushed many to phase out diesel machinery, among other fundamental changes.
Specifically in the energy sector, disruption has further come in the form of three Ds – decarbonisation, digitalisation and decentralisation. Innovation is critical in this scenario, and Accenture has stepped in to facilitate problem-solving through its new Perth Innovation hub.
Alongside digitalisation and sustainability, the new centre is also looking to help companies with other fixes such as enhancements in health and safety arrangements, as well as improvements in productivity and optimisation of equipment. Accenture experts from tech, design, business and academic backgrounds will contribute to and facilitate the innovation process.
The new hub joins three other Innovation Hubs in Australia – situated in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra – and becomes part of a global network of more than 100 Accenture Innovation Hubs. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technological implements so as to enable experimentation.
End to end innovation
The idea behind the Perth facility is to create a space for every step of the innovation process, from the ideation stage to the final development of the solutions. To this end, the hub is equipped with an Accenture Liquid Studio and a design studio for a more creative approach.
Commenting on the new hub, Chairman of Accenture Australia & New Zealand Bob Easton said, “The new hub delivers innovation to our clients’ doorsteps here in Australia. We invest locally and leverage Accenture’s global capabilities to develop innovation.”
Jean-Marc Ollagnier, Group Chief Executive of Accenture Resources, added, “The energy transition, circular economy, and sustainability provide opportunities to change business models, improve operations, and attract and retain talent. At the innovation hub, we will help clients create value across their enterprises.”
Digital will be at the heart of designs, said Ann Burns, Lead of Accenture’s Resources vertical in Australia & New Zealand added, “We believe that the Western Australian energy and mining sectors can become world leaders in digitalisation. Crucial to this is a focus on what we refer to as ‘triple zero’: ideas, design and technologies that help achieve zero harm to workers and machines, zero loss across the value chain, and zero waste for sustainability.”
