Engineers Australia recently released its report on Innovation in Engineering. The report, by Engineers Australia’s Innovation Taskforce, reviews Australia’s performance in supporting innovation in engineering and high-tech manufacturing, making recommendations to government on policies and programs to improve Australia’s investment in innovation.
“Industries such as mining, manufacturing, construction and telecommunications rely heavily on engineering expertise, and innovation is at the heart of what we do as engineers,” said Marlene Kanga, Engineers Australia National Deputy President and Chair of the Engineers Australia Innovation Taskforce.
“Innovation is the driving factor behind productivity and economic growth in a high-tech economy. Innovation is vital to Australia. As a small nation with a highly educated and highly paid workforce, Australia cannot afford not to be innovative.
"Innovation in engineering will transform Australia from a resource based economy, especially with the development of new industries in smart manufacturing, software engineering, telecommunications and engineering services.
“It is important that the government supports innovation in engineering because engineers take the scientific discoveries from the labs, develop the practical solutions and eventually take these to market. Engineers connect the dots; they are the implementers in bringing scientific breakthroughs to the world.
[Pictured alongside (L-R) are: Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Greg Combet, Marlene Kanga and Sophie Mirabella, President and CE of Engineers Australia.]
Kanga added: “It is critical that government policy adequately recognises the legal and regulatory issues surrounding high-tech innovation.
"If Australia is to compete in the global economy, our domestic policy settings must be clearly aligned. Reform is necessary across a range of policy areas.
"Addressing impediments to innovation in intellectual property law, government procurement policy and the taxation system will deliver great benefits for the Australian economy.
“The report of the Engineers Australia Innovation Taskforce shows the critical role engineering plays in developing innovations. Support for engineering innovation is vital and the return on these investments will result in long-term and significant benefits to Australia,” Kanga said.