A culture of innovation must run through the economy

When you think of innovation, flounder and flathead may not come immediately to mind. But this week at the fish markets, I saw first hand how Australian entrepreneurs are using innovation to improve the way they connect with their customers. It is win-win-win for consumers, business and the economy.

Twelve months ago the government launched the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Twenty-four initiatives totalling $1.1 billion are being delivered. This is an investment in Australia's future.

It is also a key plank of the government's national economic plan.

This week's GDP figures are a reminder that we need to improve productivity so we can generate more jobs and economic growth.

Innovation is something that we should all be aware of – it is happening all around us, from our farmers using sensors to maximise crop yield to our manufacturers investing in new technology to improve production and access global supply chains.

It enables our retailers to sell their goods to markets far larger than our own and it underpins the work of our world-class scientists and researchers.

In short, innovation is about so much more than technology start-ups. But it is understandable that many people equate innovation with information technology, or IT. After all, many of the world's most innovative companies – think Apple and Google – also happen to be technology businesses.

Change offers opportunity

Loading...