AusBiotech to submit to Senate's 'Australian innovation system' inquiry

AusBiotech is preparing a submission following the senate’s referral of an inquiry into Australia’s innovation system to the Senate Economics References Committee for inquiry and report.

A number of the terms of reference to the inquiry align with recent AusBiotech advocacy; in particular, the industry body has welcomed the inquiry’s focus on translation of research into benefits for Australians; the relationship between advanced manufacturing and a healthy innovation system; and the creation of “a seamless innovation pipeline”.

Submissions close 31 July 2014 and the Economics References Committee is required to report on the first sitting day of July 2015. AusBiotech members are invited to contribute to the AusBiotech submission by contacting Communications Manager Lorraine Chiroiu (lchiroiu@ausbiotech.org or 03 9828 1414) by 24 July 2014.

The terms of reference focus on the “challenges to Australian industries and jobs posed by increasing global competition in innovation, science, engineering, research and education” and, in particular:

• The need to attract new investment in innovation to secure high-skill, high-wage jobs and industries in Australia, as well as the role of public policy in nurturing a culture of innovation and a healthy innovation ecosystem;
• The Australian Government’s approach to innovation, especially with respect to the funding of education and research, the allocation of investment in industries and the maintenance of capabilities across the economy;
• The importance of translating research output into social and economic benefits for Australians, and mechanisms by which it can be promoted;
• The relationship between advanced manufacturing and a dynamic innovation culture;
• Current policies, funding and procedures of Australia’s publicly funded research agencies, universities and other actors in the innovation system;
• Potential governance and funding models for Australia’s research infrastructure and agencies, and policy options to diversify science and research financing;
• The effectiveness of mechanisms within Australian universities and industry for developing research pathways, particularly in regards to early- and mid-career researchers;
• Policy actions to attract, train and retain a healthy research and innovation workforce;
• Policy actions to ensure strategic international engagement in science, research and innovation; and
• Policy options to create a seamless innovation pipeline, including support for emerging industries, with a view to identifying key areas of future competitive advantage.