Australians have made more than 630 submissions to the Review of the National Innovation System, showing how important they consider innovation policy to be in shaping their future, according to the Department for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Dr Terry Cutler, chair of the board responsible for reviewing submissions, previously said that the review would “identify gaps and weaknesses in the innovation system and develop proposals to address them”.
"The overwhelming response to the Review confirms what Labor has been saying for years — that a strong, robust and truly national innovation system is crucial to securing Australia's future prosperity," Senator Carr, Minister for the Department, said.
"It is crucial to maintaining economic growth and crucial to tackling the challenges of the 21st century — like climate change and our ageing population.
Almost half (47%) of the submissions were from industry; 28% were from research and public sector research organisations; 14% were made by private individuals; and 9% came from government entities.
"The review panel is now burning the midnight oil assessing the content and implications of all the submissions," Senator Carr said.
Senator Carr also stressed the importance of the review.
"In today's economy, innovation policy is industry policy, so we need to get it right and we intend to do so."
The review panel will submit a green paper — a report with no commitment to action — to the government detailing policy options by 31 July 2008. This document will then be used as the basis for the development of a government white paper.
