Australia’s Innovation Action Plan – Self-Assessment ReportJune 2010

Barry JonesIndustry and Small Business Policy Division

Background New Government in 2007 Reviews -

– National Innovation System

– Automotive and TCF Sectors

– Export Programs New policies and programs Powering Ideas: an innovation agenda for

the 21st century

Some major initiatives

Cooperative Research Centres

Enterprise Connect

Commercialisation Australia

Small Business Initiatives

Consultation mechanisms

Regulatory framework

Cooperative Research Centres Established in 1991 Links researchers with industry to focus R&D efforts

on progress towards utilisation and commercialisation.

Each CRC must involve at least one Australian end-user and one Australian higher education institution.

Flexible governance arrangements An education program produces industry-ready

graduates Innovative structures to encourage SME

engagement

Cooperative Research Centres

From 1 July 2010:– 42 active CRCs– 725 participating organisations – 61% industry-

based– 36 Australian universities

In 2008-09:– 88 patents filed– 673 patents maintained (492 overseas)– 377 international alliances– Links with 56 nations including 18 APEC

economies

Enterprise Connect

Established in 2008 Delivers practical support to SMEs through 12

Centres and ~90 Business Advisers in:– Manufacturing or manufacturing services– Creative industries– Clean energy– Defence industries– Mining technology– Remote enterprise– Innovative regions

Enterprise Connect

Enterprise Connect services

Business Advisers and Regional Facilitators Group and Individual Business Reviews Tailored Advisory Service Researchers in Business Workshops, Industry Intelligence and Networking Innovation Centre Complementary Services Technology and Knowledge Connect Enterprise Learning and Mentoring (part of TAS

funds)

Enterprise Connect – Business Reviews For individual businesses or business groups Reviews are carried out by Business Advisers who

look at:– Strengths and weaknesses– Strategic issues – Potential areas for business improvement and

growth Tailored Advisory Service Grants to help implement

changes suggested in the Business Reviews

Enterprise Connect - Researchers in Business Supports the placement of researchers into

businesses to develop new ideas with commercial potential

2 to 12 month placement Funds up to 50% of salary costs to a maximum of

$A50,000 A project must:

– develop a new idea– involve new activities– create new competencies and capabilities aligned

with existing business strategies

Commercialisation Australia Commenced January 2010 $196.1 million over four years with ongoing funding of

$82 million per annum Objective is to build the capacity of, and opportunities

for, Australia’s researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative firms to convert ideas into commercial ventures

A new and radical approach Developed through a consultation process

Commercialisation Australia - key features

Assists researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative firms to bring ideas for new products to market with high commercial potential

Multiple entry and exit points to the program Competitive, merit based selection process Case Managers Volunteer Business Mentors Assistance tailored to the needs of the participant:

– Skills and Knowledge Grants– Experienced Executives– Proof of Concept Grants– Early Stage Commercialisation Repayable Grants

Small Business Online Program Launched on 17 August 2009 Aims to help small businesses to go online, enhance

their web presence and engage ine-business capabilities

Competitive, merit-based application process Training and mentoring services delivered to small and

home-based businesses through eligible service providers

By March 2010 funding of $14.3 million had been awarded

Consultation Mechanisms

Small Business Forum Key consultative mechanism Generally held twice a year and hosted by the Small

Business Minister

Business Consultation Website Australian Government agencies post information

on current consultation activities Businesses/individuals register to receive

information on consultations it their areas of interest

Strong regulatory environment

Small Business Advisory Committee Assist in determining the impact of policy

proposals on small business

Regulation Impact Statements Mandatory for all decisions likely to have a

regulatory impact on business

Small Business Impact Statements Assessment of the impact of policy proposals on

small business

Some conclusions

A range of policy options are needed One-size fits all is not appropriate Targeted measures depending on the

needs of the SME Options that feed into each other Benefits beyond innovation

Further InformationPowering Ideas

http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovationreview/Pages/home.aspx

Cooperative Research Centres

https://www.crc.gov.au/Information/default.aspx

Enterprise Connect

http://www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

Commercialisation Australia

http://www.commercialisationaustralia.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx

Small Business Initiatives

www.ausindustry.gov.au/SmallBusiness/SmallBusinessOnline/Pages/SmallBusinessOnline.aspx

Business Consultation Website

https://consultation.business.gov.au/consultation/

Department of Innovation, Industry,

Science and Research

Industry House

10 Binara Street

Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia

Telephone +61 2 6213 6000