Innovation and Science Australia chair Bill Ferris AC has told Australia’s university leaders that increasing collaboration for commercialisation of research is both desirable and achievable.

Addressing the Universities Australia’s 2016 Higher Education Conference Mr Ferris said, “Right now, despite a host of recent indicators praising our scientific and creative abilities, we are dead last in the OECD rankings of academia and business collaboration for innovation.

“Our alarming collaboration ranking is a direct contributor to our poor performance at commercialising our discoveries and this cannot continue. The good news is improving collaboration between research and industry is the low hanging fruit for quick wins when it comes to driving innovation.”

Mr Ferris said the Government’s announced changes to criteria for the allocation of research funding to universities are needed to reward engagement with industry.

“New arrangements recommended by Dr Ian Watt and taken up under the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda would simplify research block grants into two streams and seek to give universities an incentive to achieve greater industry and other end-user engagement, in addition to providing grants on the basis of traditional tests of research excellence,” Mr Ferris said.

“At the same time, I understand we need to continue to excel in fundamental research, I don’t accept that research excellence and clever commercialisation are mutually exclusive.

“Improving the research funding mix is welcome because it will encourage more and more researchers to reach out.

“In the same vein businesses can be encouraged to reach in to universities. I am working with Dr Alan Finkel, Australia’s Chief Scientist, and John Fraser, Secretary of the Treasury, on a review of the R&D Tax Incentive Programme.

“That Review is considering options to better reward businesses that engage with universities and other publicly funded research organisations.”

www.industry.gov.au

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The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone: has commended the Victorian Government and Opposition on finally reaching agreement regarding the Port of Melbourne lease legislation.

"Given the importance of this legislation and the fact that both major parties have been supportive of moving this project forward for two years, this is a timely outcome and one that will benefit all Victorians," Mr Stone said.

"The lease of the port will have a significant impact on Victoria’s economic future. The estimated $6 billion to be generated is essential to progress our state’s infrastructure priorities. These projects are vital to the competitiveness and livability of our state, now and in years to come.

"A notable part of the agreement is the benefit it will provide to Victoria’s regions through the commitment of $700 million in port lease proceeds to support regional Victoria," he said.

"Growing Victoria’s regions through infrastructure improvements will support regional trade and investment. This is a key priority of the Victorian Chamber, as reinforced in our Victoria Summit 2015 – Regional Victoria and 2016-17 State Budget submission.

"The port will continue to be a significant piece of infrastructure to Victoria as container throughput is expected to more than double to nearly six million units per annum in the next 15 years.

"Moving forward the Victorian Government must get the best possible price for the port while ensuring there are sensible safeguards for business," Mr Stone said.

"This project has been a long standing priority for the Victorian Chamber, including as a key recommendation in our 2014 state election agenda, Taking Care of Business."

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

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THE Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone met with the Treasurer of Victoria, Tim Pallas, yesterday to put forward  seven key proposals for the 2016-17 State Budget.

“The Treasurer and I had a productive meeting to talk in detail about each of our seven recommendations and the benefit they would bring to Victorian business and the broader community,” said Mr Stone.

“I commend the Treasurer on his willingness to engage with us on our priorities for a pro-business budget that will address the many major challenges facing Victoria. Our recommendations will reduce business costs, deliver infrastructure improvements, build workforce skills and boost international engagement to strengthen Victorian competitiveness through 2016 and beyond.”

The Victorian Chamber will continue to advocate the priorities for Victorian business in the lead up to the release of the budget on 3 May 2016.

Visit the Victorian Chamber website for further details of our budget submission. 

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

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THE International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has congratulated the 2016 honourees of the Oslo Business for Peace Award which were announced today in a ceremony held to coincide with International Women’s Day.

John Danilovich, ICC Secretary General said: "The Oslo Business for Peace Award is a vital recognition of global business leaders who unlock the positive power of business for the benefit of peace and prosperity.

"By accelerating the development of ethical business practices, this year's honourees clearly show how responsible business conduct can play a central role in improving the state of the world and facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals," he added.

By accelerating the development of ethical business practices, this year's honourees clearly show how responsible business conduct can play a central role in improving the state of the world and facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2016 Honourees are:

• Sarah Beydoun, who has built an international accessories business built on unique bags handmade in cooperation with prisoners and ex-prisoners in battle-scarred Lebanon;
• Dr Jennifer Nkuene Riria from Nairobi, who runs a micro-finance company that has made a significant effort to empower low-income women and their families in Kenya;
• Tore Lærdal, who through his company, Laerdal Medical, has manufactured modern resuscitation services and solutions that have helped save hundreds of thousands of lives.

During a high-level event held today, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark highlighted the role of female business leaders in driving positive societal change as she announced this year's Business for Peace Honourees.

"This year's winners are exceptional role models who exemplify how ethical and responsible business action can drive positive societal change", said Clark in the press conference taking place at the Oslo City Hall.

The Award Ceremony will take place in Oslo City Hall on May 3 as part of the annual Business for Peace Summit. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon will attend this year's event.

Past Business for Peace awardees include Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever; Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group and Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Prize winner and ICC Tunisia Honorary Chairman.

Learn more about the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

 

Follow Oslo Business for Peace on Twitter @Businessworthy and #BfP.

 

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