Innovation 2008:
The Future of R&D in Australia
This two-day conference held in Melbourne on the 9 & 10 September was co-presented with Informa. The ministerial keynote address was delivered by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Terry Cutler, chair of the review panel into Australia's National Innovation System. The panel's report 'Venturous Australia' was presented to Senator Carr during the conference.
A number of key themes were established during the two days of presentations:
- Innovation policy is workplace development strategy.
- There needs to be a cultural change so that innovation is integrated into everyday business.
- Networks and clusters should be seen as enablers in order to extend enterprise and innovation.
- Collaborations based on complementarities and communication will result in outcomes and uptake.
- Strategy deficit, business imperative, management capability and competitive intelligence are all part of the innovation equation.
- There needs to be a coordinated national strategy.
- Funding by excellence, provision of infrastructure, tax credits and private sector participation are critical.
- Research is more than innovation, prioritise the need.
- What are the funding drivers - research outputs, demand side benefits and/or end user engagement.
- Public sector innovation needs to be part of the system, both locally and internationally.
