Bioscientists appointed to innovation board

Several prominent bioscientists, including Prof Adrienne Clarke, Prof Peter Doherty, Cerylid's Jackie Fairley and Prof Alan Trounson, have been appointed to the Victorian government's new Innovation Economy Advisory Board, set up to drive innovation across the state's economy.

State Treasurer and Innovation Minister John Brumby will chair the Board, and Stuart Hamilton, secretary of the state's Department of Education and Training and former executive director of the Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee, will be the CEO.

Others on the 26-member strong board include Australia's chief scientist Dr Robin Batterham, Vision Systems' managing director Jim Fox, BHP Steel chairman Graeme Kaehe and Novell Asia Pacific president Rhonda O'Donnell.

Innovation was recognised worldwide as being the single most important element in successful modern economies, said Brumby in a statement.

"The Government sees the board as an exciting opportunity to bring together Victorian and international leaders in innovation from business, science, creative industries and the community to advise Government on the best ways to develop Victoria as an innovation economy," he said.

Brumby said the new board would be responsible for:

• Identifying strategies to lead Victoria's development as an innovation economy,
• Challenging current directions and actions to generate a higher level of performance across the state,
• Raising the state's profile with industry and other stakeholders, as an innovative and creative economy,
• Leading and coordinating action on innovation across the economy, and
• Building high level and strategic national and international links to identify opportunities that would enhance Victoria's international standing as an innovation leader and support the delivery of the State's innovation strategies.

The board will meet for the first time early in 2003.