Science, Technology & Innovation Policy: A Global Perspective. Dr Lauren Palmer Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE)

Transcription

1 A presentation from the conference 9-10 Dec 2013 Science, Technology & Innovation Policy: A Global Perspective Dr Lauren Palmer Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE)

2 Science, Technology and Innovation Policy A Global Perspective Dr Lauren Palmer Senior Research and Policy Officer Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

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4 Importance of Science Science is inherently international Over 7 million researchers Combined R&D spend over 1 trillion dollars Science drives economic development, addresses local and global issues of sustainability ST&I policy plays a significant role in our foreign policy objectives

5 International Collaboration Builds bridges and provides mutual benefits International collaborations are on the rise Greater emphasis to find solutions to global challenges Global Challenges are interconnected Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial

6 International Collaboration Builds quality research and creates a positive contribution to Australia s economic wellbeing Traditionally bottom-up informal connections Primary drivers: Scientists Developments in communication technologies and cheaper travel make it easier than ever before

7 Global Collaboration Source: Knowledge, networks and nations: Global scientific collaboration in the 21st century, The Royal Society, Analysis by Elsevier based on data from Scopus.

8 Global Collaboration Global Collaboration Source: Knowledge, networks and nations: Global scientific collaboration in the 21st century, The Royal Society, Analysis by Elsevier based on data from Scopus.

9 Why Collaborate? Collaboration is the key to fast-tracking innovation on a global scale Global issues need to be addressed by all players, accessing as much of the world s knowledge as possible Enhance quality of work Increase effectiveness of research

10 Why Collaborate? Sharing costs, tasks and expertise (knowledge transfer) Build capacity in all areas of the world However collaboration between research organisations and businesses is poor Fundamental barriers remain

11 National and international collaboration on innovation by firms,

12 Enablers and Barriers Enablers: Technology collaboration can occur at the click of a button Travel easier and cheaper Funding Barriers Infrastructure Poor Funding Visa restrictions Intellectual Property Metrics Culture

13 Australia and Asia The rapid rise of China and India has had a knockon effect on ST&I capacity in Southeast Asia and Oceania. China and India and other Asian Nations at the forefront of some fields of science Significant potential economic benefits in expanding ST&I cooperation Enhanced cooperation better understanding between countries

14 Scientific links between Australia and Asian nations Sources: Thomson Reuters (2011a) and Scopus. Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, Commonwealth of Australia, 2012

15 China - Australia 2012 celebrated 40 years diplomatic, science and technology relationships Long term investment in ST&I, universities, industry and research sector We need to increase the flow of people and ideas to better understand China s problems, needs and culture.

16 India - Australia Australia and India share a close relationship Many joint activities and publications between the two countries in areas of strategic ST&I importance Science diplomacy key to enhancing linkages A long term approach should be considered with a focus on priority areas for both countries

17 Looking to the Future We must be open to, encourage, facilitate and provide strong support for international collaboration We must be flexible in our approach We need to support and encourage researchers to engage with businesses Need to increase and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills

18 Looking to the Future Engagement between policy makers and researchers Need to actively promote public and wider stakeholder dialogue Need to improve metrics for evaluating global science and collaboration Lay the foundations and strengthen linkages

19 Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering A future in which technological sciences, engineering and innovation contribute significantly to Australia's social, economic and environmental wellbeing. ATSE has a strong commitment to international research collaboration and recognises the importance of this activity

20 ATSE Topic Forums Water Energy ATSE Strategic Priorities Productivity Innovation Built Environment Climate Change Impact Sustainability Health ATSE Key Drivers Education

21 International Engagement Global focus, priorities currently in Asia Relationships with China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam Engage a wide variety of stakeholders through senior expert-missions, delegations, meetings and workshops (multilateral and bilateral) Stakeholders help build strong networks

22 Are we there yet? Australia needs to strengthen its science, education and business base Capitalise on people-to-people and government-to-government relations Consistent and transparent whole-of- Government strategy Needs of Asian partners and Australia s strengths Funding!

23 Thank you