developing an innovation industry in australia
TRANSCRIPT
Developing an innovation industry in Australia
Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) has grown at an average rate of 3.3 per cent over 15 years.
This has enabled the lifestyles that people have become accustomed to.
The engineering sector has played an integral role in bringing Australia to where it is today.
The paradigms that allowed Australia to prosper are rapidly being disrupted:
There is also a greater need to innovate in the digital landscape.
Trends reveal an aging population and a shrinking taxation base.
Australia’s economy is shifting from resource-based to service-driven.
To help address this, it is imperative that Australia develops an innovation industry.Importantly, engineers must once again become catalysts of innovative research and development.
Key elements that can help facilitate an innovation industry in Australia are:
NATURAL ASSETSThis could be geographic location, mineral reserves and climate. Australia is in close proximity to one of the world’s largest markets.
EDUCATION Australia has an advanced education system, ensuring a skilled population.
Key elements that can help facilitate an innovation industry in Australia are:
INFRASTRUCTURE Efficient infrastructure is needed for trade and commerce to flourish. Australia has good infrastructure, but it is under pressure in many locations as a result of population growth and urbanisation.
Key elements that can help facilitate an innovation industry in Australia are:
But what else does Australia need to ensure an innovation industry?
An innovation culture and a management mindset.
We have to recognise that it is people who innovate, not companies. It is the people within companies who can innovate if they are permitted and encouraged to do so.
”Without a highly creative and deeply innovative profession, creating an innovation industry in Australia will be much harder.
”John Mcguire Chief Innovation Officer, Aurecon
It is vital for engineers to create an innovation mindset - a culture that promotes and nurtures innovation. We must have an environment in which innovation occurs.
Interestingly a study reveals that Australian businesses perform poorly in people leading, managing and nurturing a creative and innovative workforce.
Australia excelled in the Operations and Performance
categories -productivity, efficiency,
utilisation and delivery.
However it scored poorly in people
leading, managing and nurturing a creative
and innovative workforce.
Source: Green, R. Agarwal. R, Van, Reenen, J, Bloom, N, Matthews, J, Boedker, C, Sampson, D, Gollan, P, Toner, P, Tan, H, Randhawa, K & Brown, P. (2009). Management Matters in Australia: Just how productive are we? Report for Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research, Canberra
The key elements of innovation include collaboration, diversity, experimentation and prototyping. Lesser known elements include:
Creative confidence – an ability to challenge (and even redesign) paradigmsSelfless behaviour – a willingness to contribute ‘my knowledge’ to reach a common goalStorytelling prowess – an ability to tell a story about where we are going / how we’ll get there
Engineers must be highly creative
Unfortunately, these attributes are not taught in engineering schools which specialise in analytics – not creativity.
OUR CURRENT REALITYIt has been estimated that by 2050 over two-thirds of the global population will have relocated to cities in search of better infrastructure, service and jobs.
This trend leads to congestion, pollution, deteriorating wellness, aggravated demands on power and water networks as well as other facilities.
The world has reached a tipping point and engineers can play a crucial role in restoring balance.
Autonomous vehicles, for example, will positively impact congestion.
Electric vehicles powered from renewable resources will reduce pollution.
Engineers understand balanceThis understanding can be utilised to facilitate the innovation needed to turn the dial on impossible challenges.
Engineers must be at the forefront of solving challengesIf infrastructure is the vehicle for economic growth, then its performance will impact national progression.
Engineers are connectors of knowledgeEngineers must become the storytellers of their own projects. They must be able to communicate in ways that show the benefits and advantages of their role. We must be the connectors of knowledge in the eco systems.
Without an innovation culture pulsing through the veins of engineers, we have a lesser chance of building an innovative nation.
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John McGuireChief Innovation Officer, Aurecon+61 8 6145 [email protected]
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