The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research supports Australia's international science and technology (S&T) collaboration by working with a number of multilateral and regional organisations including:
APEC Industrial Science and Technology Working Group
The APEC Industrial Science and Technology Working Group (ISTWG) aims to fulfil the APEC vision for the 21st century of: "a dynamic and prosperous Asia-Pacific region built on the development and application of industrial science and technology that improves the quality of life while safeguarding the natural environment and achieving sustainable development."
Project proposals are developed by researchers and scientists within APEC economies. Officials are then responsible for seeking co-sponsorship for, and participation in, the projects through contact with their ISTWG colleagues and at face-to-face meetings.
The 4th APEC Science Ministers' Meeting held in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March 2004, endorsed ISTWG’s adoption of four policy areas: human capacity building; international science and technology networks; connecting research and innovation; and strengthening technological cooperation and encouraging best practice in strategic planning.
Australia has led or participated in a large number of ISTWG projects, including projects in the areas of climate change, renewable energy, and furthering economic liberalisation across the region. These projects have brought leading Australian scientists and researchers into contact with colleagues across a range of APEC economies.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The Department of Innovation is actively involved in several areas of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a unique forum where the governments of 30 market democracies work together to address the economic, social and governance challenges of globalisation as well as to exploit its opportunities.
The OECD provides a setting where governments can compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice and coordinate domestic and international policies.
To assist governments in making sound policy decisions, the OECD collects data, monitors trends, analyses and forecasts developments and evolving patterns in science and innovation, trade, environment, agriculture, taxation and more.
The Department of Innovation is actively involved in two major committees of the OECD: the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP), and the Committee for Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE).
Underneath these committees, the Department of Innovation is involved in at least ten specialised working parties, whose projects range from innovation policy to shipbuilding, and providing tools to support small businesses in having a clean, green and prosperous future. This assists the department in designing evidence-based policy for the benefit of all Australians.
OECD's 50th Anniversary: "Better Policies for Better Lives"
This year the OECD celebrates its 50th anniversary. Australia also celebrates its 40th anniversary of membership of the OECD. Australia's past acheivements and involvement in the OECD include:
- Australia's leading role in developing the 'Canberra Manual' for measuring human resources devoted to science and technology;
- the establishment of the Working Party on SMEs and Entrepreneurship; and
- the publication of Demand-Side Innovation Policies.
Further information on the OECD's 50th anniversary can be found at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has been operating as a specialised agency of the United Nations for the last sixty-three years.
The organisation aims to contribute to global peace and security by promoting international collaboration in education, science, culture and communications. The organisation sponsors and supports conferences and workshops, study tours, staff exchanges and awards. UNESCO also provides a vehicle for negotiating international legal instruments in related fields of competence.
Australia was one of the founding members of UNESCO, which now has over 190 Member States. Currently, Australia is a partner in more than 20 UNESCO projects, including the 'Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve' project. The Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve includes Fraser Island, land, coastal and marine areas and features the world’s largest rainforest on sand. Fraser Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Further information on the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve project can be found at Burnett Mary Regional Group.
Natural Sciences Sector
The Natural Sciences Sector contributes to UNESCO’s mission by using science to build peace, eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development and encourage science in several relevant areas including:
- Water sciences,
- Sustainable living in small development states,
- Renewable energy, and
- Natural disaster reduction.
Australia’s National Commission
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is responsible for appointing the Australian National Commission which provides a strategic focus to Australia’s involvement in UNESCO. The Commission is supported within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Australian senior scientists, academics, politicians and people from the arts community are representatives on Australia’s National Commission.
Every two years, UNESCO delivers the UNESCO General Conference to discuss, negotiate and decide the policy, program and budget for the organisation.