Government must act on innovation recommendations, says Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia has applauded the release of Top Breakthrough Actions for Innovations by Professor Ian Chubb, Australia’s Chief Scientist. The professional association has called on government to take action on Chubb’s recommendations as a matter of priority.

“Innovation is critical to Australia’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalised marketplace and we are strongly supportive of Professor Chubb’s innovation agenda,” said Dr Marlene Kanga, National President of Engineers Australia.

“Innovation cannot be left to chance, and Professor Chubb’s recommendations show a clear commitment to proactively driving innovation in our country.”

Fostering a culture of innovation will be a critical factor in Australia’s transformation from a resource-dependent economy to a high-tech, knowledge-based economy, Kanga said.

“The expertise of the engineering profession is vital in converting innovative ideas into reality. Engineers drive technology and are at the forefront of innovation, and we congratulate Professor Chubb for advancing our national innovation agenda.

“The 2012 report of Engineers Australia’s Innovation Taskforce identified a range of barriers to innovation in Australia, and we are pleased to see that many of these are acknowledged in Professor Chubb’s action list.

“Professor Chubb’s recommendations are clear, and their importance to Australia’s future should also be clear. Engineers Australia now calls on government to implement the five ‘breakthrough actions’, with a priority being given to the establishment of an Innovation Council to actively progress Australia’s innovation agenda.”