The NSW government has signalled that it will accelerate research and development (R&D) investment, following the first meeting of a new state R&D advisory council.
The advisory council, which is to provide insights and advice to the NSW government, met for the first time this week to discuss a range of areas where R&D has the potential to make a major contribution to the state.
Appointed by NSW parliamentary secretary Gabrielle Upton, the advisory council is made up of leaders in innovation, business, government and the tertiary education sector.
Chaired by David Gonski, the advisory council includes Maxine Brenner, Jillian Broadbent, Phil Marcus Clark, Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, Professor Barney Glover, Professor Brigid Heywood, Catherine Livingstone, Professor Mary O’Kane, Daniel Petre, Professor Michelle Simmons, and Jennifer Westacott.
“The first meeting was highly productive, with insightful and engaging discussions and contributions from the Council members,” Gonski said.
According to the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2019 Scorecard, around $11 billion was invested in R&D in NSW in 2018, equivalent to 1.9 per cent of the gross state product.
Upton said the advisory council will next year deliver a plan of action for making NSW the R&D leader within Australia.
“I look forward to hearing from all sectors and the community on how R&D can help solve our big challenges that will make a difference for everyone in NSW,” Upton said.