The Australian Government, represented by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and the State of Michigan, represented by Michigan’s Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Governor, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2018. The parties agreed to enhance cooperation between their respective government bodies, knowledge-based institutions, clusters and businesses in transport research, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, reflecting their desire to accelerate potential social and economic benefits for future generations and vulnerable sectors of society around the world.

A core working group, including the MOU signatories and partners, was convened shortly after the signing of the MOU to facilitate the activities set forth in the agreement. The group is known as the Michigan Australia Exchange (MAX). MAX includes key leaders from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Austroads, ITS Australia, and the University of Melbourne. Other contributing partners include the Michigan Department of Transportation and Austrade.

MAX Mission

To enhance cooperation between respective government bodies, knowledge-based institutions, clusters, and businesses in all areas of future transport research, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation