ISA spurs debate about Australian innovation in 2030

Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) has today released the 2030 Strategic Plan Issues Paper to drive the national conversation around the future of Australian innovation, science and research. The Issues Paper will form the basis for consultations with stakeholders in the development of a Strategic Plan for Australian innovation out to 2030.

ISA has articulated a high-level vision for the Australian innovation, science and research system in 2030:

“We want an Australia counted within the top tier of innovation nations, known and respected for its excellence in science, research and commercialisation.

“Innovation, which can underpin a diversity of internationally competitive industries, will enable today’s and future generations to have meaningful work, and a great quality of life, in a fair and inclusive society.”

The Issues Paper identifies some of the waves of change that will influence Australia’s future over the medium term — globalisation, technological disruption and demographic trends — and suggests six key challenges the nation must address to become a top-tier innovator.

These six challenges are:

• Bringing more firms, in more sectors, closer to the innovation frontier.
• Moving, and keeping, government closer to the innovation frontier.
• Delivering high-quality and relevant education and skills development for Australians throughout their lives.
• Maximising the engagement of our world-class research system with end users.
• Maximising advantage from international knowledge, talent and capital.
• Realising the benefits of bold, high-impact initiatives.

Developing specific, actionable recommendations that respond to these challenges is the focus for ISA’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which will be delivered to government later this year.

Dr Charlie Day, CEO of the Office of Innovation and Science Australia, is encouraging broad engagement with the Issues Paper to help guide ISA’s thinking on an initiative of particular significance for the nation’s future.

“ISA hopes that the Issues Paper will provoke some big-picture thinking on how Australia can get the most out of our innovation system now and how we can position ourselves as a leading innovation nation into the future,” he said.

“We look forward to engaging with stakeholders throughout the innovation, science and research system, as well as across the broader Australian public. These are challenges that affect all Australians and we are confident that the wisdom and ingenuity of the Australian community will help us shape a compelling strategic response.”

The Issues Paper is available on ISA’s website, where submissions are accepted: www.industry.gov.au/ISA.