The Australian Innovation Community

In a recent speech at the Melbourne Institute 2008 Economic and Social Outlook Conference, called New Agenda for Prosperity, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr said that, innovation was “the only way a country with first-world wages and living standards can stay in the game.” Anyone interested in making a submission should definitely have a read through the complete text:

• “ New Agenda for Prosperity“

It offers insight into the Government’s approach to the system and where it sees a need for improvement, as well as some of the paths it’s exploring to move forward, especially in the context of the world stage. He said, “There are emerging giants of the so-called BRIC group – Brazil, Russia, India and China – for whom action tends to speak louder than words. “Forget about them moving into high-tech, high-value activities at some far-off time in the future. They are doing it now.” Brazil has legislated to provide incentives for research cooperation between universities, research institutes and private companies and that Russia is giving small businesses access to intellectual property created by the federation’s vast network of public research organisations. “This is the kind of policy activism we need to match if we are to build the future Australians want for themselves and their children,” he said. He outlined several initiatives including changes to the role of chief scientist, the establishment of new innovation and manufacturing centres, as well as ways to foster greater collaboration. He also made his commitment to listening to the community clear, calling the Review a “a watershed inquiry that will shape the innovation agenda for the next decade and beyond,” and then adding, “You have until the 30th of April to make a submission.” To discuss the topic in our forums click here.