Australia’s Innovation Action Plan – Self-Assessment Report June 2010 Barry Jones Industry 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 : –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 in e-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 Information Powering Ideas  Cooperative Research Centres  Enterprise Connect  Commercialisation Australia  Small Business Initiatives  mallBusinessOnline.aspx Business Consultation Website 

Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Industry House 10 Binara Street Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia Telephone