Media Release
Dr Terry Cutler, the head of the Government's independent review of Australia's National Innovation System says he is delighted, but daunted, by the number and variety of submissions made to the Review.
Over 630 submissions have been received. This far exceeds the number of submissions to similar reviews, such as that of the 2007 Productivity Commission Inquiry into public funding for science and innovation. In addition to the written submissions, many individuals and organisations are also contributing to the deliberations of the three Working Groups to the Review.
"The volume and quality of the submissions suggests that innovation is something that the community is now taking very seriously.
"The process of trying to load all these submissions on the Review website has caused the Department's computer servers to go into meltdown. However, the Review Secretariat advise me they are working hard to ensure all conforming submissions are loaded to the website as soon as possible," Dr Cutler said.
At the Expert Panel's fifth meeting, Dr Cutler advised that submissions have been received from a broad cross section of interested parties, including business, researchers, government and other groups. The breakdown of number of submissions from each category is:
- Industry – 47%
- Research and public sector research organisations – 28%
- Government – 9%
- Private individuals – 14%
- Confidential – 2%
"People have gone out of their way to provide written advice following the very high attendance at road shows around Australia in early March.
"Indeed with over 1000 attending road shows and over 630 submissions, I feel we are now engaging well with those who have the experience and knowledge to contribute to this important stocktake. Our job is to analyse the submissions and take on board the best ideas in formulating our report to Government.
"The immense public response is quite daunting, as it challenges the Review to consider carefully all the thoughtful submissions.
"In many ways the response mirrors the national mood created by the Australia 2020 Summit, and demonstrates the value of opening up nationwide discussions about important national questions”, Dr Cutler said.
Dr Cutler also advised that focussed roundtables on particular issues are being held during May and early June. In addition, the Review Panel is looking forward to the visit by US expert and Panel advisor, Richard Lester from MIT, who will be in Australia from 19 – 22 May. The Panel will also be consulting with Professor Stan Metcalfe from the UK in June.
Contact: Dr Terry Cutler 03 93298411