Australia’s Innovation Action Plan – Self-Assessment Report

1. Australia’s Innovation Action Plan – Self-Assessment Report June 2010 Barry JonesIndustry and Small Business Policy Division

2. 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

3. Some major initiatives • Cooperative Research Centres • Enterprise Connect • Commercialisation Australia • Small Business Initiatives • Consultation mechanisms • Regulatory framework

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Enterprise Connect

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Further Information Powering 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/

18. Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Industry House 10 Binara Street Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia Telephone +61 2 6213 6000