OREANDA-NEWS. March 11, 2011. NEC Corporation and the Australian Federal Government today announced the signing of an agreement to work together on technology innovation that will seek to address key societal issues in Australia, including health and aged care and urban transportation.

The agreement, signed by NEC Corporation and the Department for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), demonstrates a shared vision, with both parties recognising the ability for innovation and technology to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Initially working together in the areas of health and aged care and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), NEC Australia and DBCDE will share information and expertise to progress Australia as a leader in information communications technology (ICT).

Senator Stephen Conroy, said "The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy welcomes the opportunity to work with NEC, a leader in R&D and innovation in Australia, to capitalise on the drive towards the digital economy."

Dr Nobuhiro Endo, President of NEC Corporation, recognised the achievement of the Federal Government in establishing the National Broadband Network (NBN), which promises significant opportunities.

"NEC's is pleased to be partnering with the Australian Federal Government on significant programs to place ICT innovation at the forefront of improved service delivery across all sectors of the economy.

"We see the emergence of socially and emotionally intelligent systems, combined with the National Broadband Network and cloud services delivery infrastructure, as a key enabler of large scale social inclusion outcomes," Dr Endo said.

Managing Director of NEC Australia, Mr Alan Hyde, added that NEC's global expertise translates well in the Australian market.

"NEC is actively working on programs to deliver a new paradigm of "ageing-in-place" for the elderly, including working with Research Centre for Computers, Communication and Social Innovation (RECCSI) at Latrobe University on advanced robotics for aged care. Australia and Japan share a common problem in that both nations have an ageing population which is placing increased stress on the current systems for aged care.

"Coupled with global R&D efforts in road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, NEC's local activity will work to improve the management of vehicle communication to prevent traffic accidents, facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce environmental load.

"NEC looks forward to collaborating with the Department to improve outcomes in aged care and urban transportation for the people of Australia," Mr Hyde said.

RECCSI last year conducted the first successful field trials in aged care facility in regional Australia. In 2011, RECCSI's activities have been covered by Brand Australia Unlimited on behalf of AUSTRADE.