Statement on the Federal Government’s Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander

We welcome the Government's new initiatives, particularly the recognition of the critical role that university research plays as part of innovation ecosystems in developing and nurturing new enterprises.

Encouraging and building an entrepreneurial culture across Australia, especially within universities where new ideas are often seeded, will be essential for building the enterprises, businesses and, most important of all, the jobs of the future.

Deakin is embracing this approach across the University, and has a long history of strong industry partnerships in both research and training.

Our open access carbon fibre research facility in Geelong, with an industry-scalable pilot plant, for example, is already attracting new companies, such as Carbon Revolution and Quickstep Automotive.  This aggregation of new business in one place is already being recognised as a new composite cluster, a place for new industries, jobs and wealth.

Discovery research, to a purpose, is always part of the continuum for innovation. It is therefore crucial that Australia maintains this capability as it forms the scaffold on which truly excellent, competitive applications are based.

Excellence in industry-relevant research will inform better practise and have tangible outcomes for local communities.