National Innovation Principles Adopted

Media Release from Senator the Hon Kim Carr

NATIONAL INNOVATION PRINCIPLES ADOPTED - Innovation Ministers’ meeting yields Australian first

Federal, State and Territory Innovation Ministers for the first time adopted a set of national innovation principles at a meeting in Melbourne on 4 December – to guide policy development and increase the consistency of government innovation programs across Australia.

“This is a real first for national innovation policy, and a vivid demonstration of governments working together to make all Australian innovation programs efficient and accessible,” said Australian Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr about the release of the Framework of Principles for Innovation Initiatives.

“The adoption of these principles by all governments will increase the coordination of innovation program design to ensure that innovation programs are complementary and respond to the changing needs and priorities of Australian businesses.”

Other agreements reached include: Developing a National Science Communication Strategy. Fast-tracking innovators into Commercialisation Australia.

“A National Science Communication Strategy will mean that the wonders of science will reach even further into the lounge rooms of Australian households,” Senator Carr said.

“A coordinated national approach to science communication will see much stronger results from a range of currently fragmented activities around the country.”

Senator Carr said the agreement to build on existing commercialisation capabilities in each State and Territory, through Commercialisation Australia, will further support high-wage, high skill jobs amongst Australian innovators.

“Commercialisation Australia, operating from January 2010, will provide a radical new approach to commercialising promising Australian research and ideas,” he said.

“Thanks to this meeting, Commercialisation Australia has the potential to become a truly national program that will recognise skills gained through State and Territory initiatives and fast-track high quality applicants.

“These outcomes will support and develop Australia’s innovation system and affirm innovation as a nation-wide priority. I commend my colleagues on their collaboration and determination to build a world-class innovation system in Australia.”

Also launched were the Innovation Profiles multimedia project, an interactive suite of web, video and print media which encompasses real-life stories and experiences of 25 leaders from five Industry Innovation Councils.

Source: Australian Government website