Media Releases 2006

19 June 2006

Diverse pathways to technolgical innovation recognised

The Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) has today welcomed the release of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Science and Innovation report Pathways to Technological Innovation tabled today in Parliament.

AVCC President Professor Gerard Sutton said that the report was timely given the current Productivity Commission research study into the benefits of public investment in science and innovation in Australia.

“The current focus on innovation by the Australian Government is a positive step forward in realising Australia’s innovation capacity,” Professor Sutton said.

“The Report has identified a range of areas where key stakeholders will be able to provide constructive input to the ongoing development of Australia’s innovation and commercialisation policy framework.

“The AVCC welcomes in particular the Report’s recommendation that the Business Industry Higher Education Collaboration Council examine and develop the business case for third stream funding to universities,” he said.

“The AVCC also welcomes the recommendation that the Australian Government introduce a funded proof of concept scheme.

“To grow and sustain Australia’s science and innovation capacity, we need to set a target for national investment that is comparable to those set internationally.

“The AVCC continues to call for a National Innovation Strategy encompassing total funding available for R&D from public and private sources, and increased public support for Australia’s core research capacity,” Professor Sutton said.

“Backing Australia’s Ability and Backing Australia’s Ability: Building our future through Science and Innovation have provided a solid foundation for research and innovation to 2011. Australia now needs to maintain and build on this momentum.

“The AVCC’s National Innovation Strategy sets a target of national investment in research and innovation from all sources at 2 % of GDP by 2010 and 3% by 2020.

“This would keep Australia apace with global competitors such as China, which has set a target of increasing R&D to 2.5 % of GDP by 2020, and Europe which aims to increase investment to 3% of GDP by 2010.

“The report tabled today, and the ongoing Productivity Commission research study are two important initiatives at the federal level that recognise the importance of innovation to Australia’s economic, social and environmental future,” Professor Sutton said.

The AVCC looks forward to further discussions with relevant parties on the key issues for universities raised by the Report and its recommendations.

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