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From world class research flows new industries , improved commercialisation and a stronger economy .
Go8 chief executive Vicki Thomson . Photo : Kym Smith
Show us the money
Sector ’ s positive response to commercialisation of research priority .
By Wade Zaglas
Several of the higher education sector ’ s peak bodies and groups have welcomed the government ’ s wish to bring higher social and economic benefits to the country by ramping up the commercialisation of Australian research .
In a consultation paper titled University Research Commercialisation , Education Minister Alan Tudge outlined he was seeking feedback from a range of stakeholders including universities , business and the community on how Australia ’ s multibillion-dollar research sector could maximise social and economic benefits to the country .
UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA Chief executive of Universities Australia Catriona Jackson said universities welcomed the launch and called the consultation paper “ an important step in a key discussion for the nation ”.
“ The research commercialisation discussion is an important one . We look forward to continuing the work with Government and industry to determine how to better translate and commercialise great Australian research ,” she said .
“ The government ’ s $ 1 billion for research in the October budget was a very important acknowledgement of the national value of Australia ’ s research effort . It has , and will continue to , save research jobs and research capacity .”
GROUP OF EIGHT The Group of Eight ( Go8 ), comprising Australia ’ s most researchintensive universities , has also welcomed the education minister ’ s strategic direction , saying that a robust university research sector is critical as the country moves into post “ COVID-19 economic recovery ”.
“ Go8 universities carry out 70 per cent of our nation ’ s research activity and welcome the challenge set by Education Minister Alan Tudge ,” chief executive Vicki Thomson said .
“ The Australian government ’ s commitment to a funding strategy that maps research and commercialisation will deliver gains for universities , business , our economy and most importantly the Australian population . From world class research flows new industries , improved commercialisation and a stronger economy .
“ As the Prime Minister has said in the past , we need a team Australia approach to rebuild in the post COVID-19 world and Go8 universities will form an integral part of the team .
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES Innovative Research Universities ( IRU ) is also supportive of the research commercialisation agenda , but added that the government “ must provide additional support to make it happen ”.
In a similar vein to UA and the GO8 , IRU sees tripartite collaborations between universities , government and business as key in supporting innovation and creating business .
“ Everybody wants to see more commercialisation of university research . The challenge is making sure the right incentives are in place to make it happen ,” IRU executive director Conor King said .
“ The renewed focus on commercialisation of research is welcome , but the Government needs to drive the work through additional support for universities .”
INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION AUSTRALIA IHEA ’ s chief executive officer Simon Finn welcomed “ the Government ’ s focus on the value and return of research to the Australian community ”.
“ Australian universities and independent higher education providers undertake world class research , in which the Australian community invests heavily ,” Finn told Campus Review .
“ Some research projects have direct commercial connection . Others will have a public policy focus and deliver direct benefits to society through , for example , more effective public health interventions and more efficient public policy .
“ Still others will play a key role in advancing innovation and scientific discovery that might not have an immediate commercial and financial return , but may see important future innovations and commercial benefit .
“ It is a critical time to be considering the value of tertiary research and its contribution to society in all of its forms . We are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the consultation process .”
During a speech at the University of Melbourne , the education minister said : “ I want to see new ideas on how we can increase collaboration between business and universities and put our research at the heart of our economic recovery .
“ We want our high-quality research to better translate into the breakthrough products , new businesses and ideas we need to grow our economy and improve our society .
“ COVID provides a unique opportunity to reassess university business models and better leverage research to grow our economy and generate Australian jobs .
“ I will work with any university that is prepared to take a bold approach .”
Submissions to the consultation paper can be emailed to urcs @ dese . gov . au . ■
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