MEDIA RELEASE
INNOVATION SCORECARD PUTS AUSTRALIA AMONGST THE
BEST
17 December 2002 MIN 269/02
Australia ranks as one of the most innovative economies in the
OECD, according to a new report released today.
The report, Backing Australia's Ability: Real Results Real
Jobs, the Commonwealth Government's Innovation Report for 2002-03
highlights the Government's commitment to three key elements in the
innovation process: strengthening our ability to generate ideas and
undertake research, accelerating the commercial application of these
ideas and developing and retaining Australian skills.
A feature of the 2002-03 Innovation Report is the Innovation
Scorecard, which shows that Australia is one of the most
innovative economies in the OECD.
The 2002-2003 Innovation Report provides a summary of the
programmes and projects supported by the Government's science and
innovation initiatives including contributions from the $3 billion
innovation package, Backing Australia's Ability.
It also demonstrates how Government, industry and the research
community can work together to improve and build on Australia's
innovation track record. Commonwealth expenditure on R&D this year
will be more than $5 billion, reflecting the Government’s commitment
to science and innovation as key drivers for national prosperity.
Australia’s capacity for innovation will be further enhanced by
initiatives this year which include:
the further expansion of Australia’s research effort with
additional funding of $76 million for Australian Research Council
funded research (a total of $94.7 million is being provided in
2003 for more than 1,200 research projects);
25 Federation Fellowships, eight of which went to outstanding
Australian researchers returning to Autralia to lead world class
research teams;
four licences to invest more than $100 million in research
spinning out of Australia's universities and public sector
research agencies and;
the World Class Centre of Excellence in Information and
Communications Technology which opened for business in the
Australian Technology Park with $129.5 million of Commonwealth
funding over five years.
The report is avalailable at
http://backingaus.innovation.gov.au/statement/index.htm#report
For further information:
| Dr Nelson’s Office: |
Yaron Finkelstein |
0414 927 663 |
| Dept of Education, Science & Training |
Virginia Cook |
0412 971 323 |
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