New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) highlighted in its "Manufacturing+ Report (2007)" that a number of manufacturers think they are not benefitting from the use of the university sector’s capabilities, even though they acknowledge that NZ has world leading courses and research in the manufacturing arena. To improve the engagement between manufacturers and universities, Massey University, in collaboration with AUT University, Flinders University and NZTE have established a “knowledge hub” to create a proactive partnership between New Zealand’s manufacturing sector and universities. Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funded the project and seven universities have participated.

The aim of the Manufacturing Knowledge hub is to enhance New Zealand universities’ education and research capability to create increased connectivity between universities and manufacturers. To mitigate this disconnection, the hub will provide a “One Stop Shop” by offering easy access to up-to-date information and functions that can help manufacturers. The hub consists of a website that contains information on Education, Research, and Exchange functions (exchange of information / ideas / capabilities) between universities and manufacturing companies.