Australia needs to make bigger investments in research and development projects to avoid falling behind global competition, a conference has been told.
It also needed to include more First Nations experts to tap into vital, specialist knowledge.
The calls came at the Collaborate Innovate conference in Brisbane on Tuesday, which heard from entrepreneurs, scientists, academics and government agencies.
Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic opened the second day of the conference with a video message in which he told participants Australian research and new technologies would be vital to unlocking advances in important fields such as climate change, transport and manufacturing.
“By leaning into new technologies relevant to our unique strengths like, for example, medical science or clean energy tech, we can secure a new generation of promise and prosperity,” he said.
“AI and autonomous systems, they can deliver extraordinary efficiency gains across the broader economy if applied and adopted quickly.”
But Mr Husic said figures also showed Australian investment in research and development had “slipped below the OECD average,” and would need to increase to keep pace with the rest of the world.
“Greater investment is going to be needed if we are to build a sustainable future made in Australia,” he said.
“We also need to see that every dollar invested delivers results whenever it can and that this is going to advance our national interest.”
Australia ranked 24th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, down from 20th place in 2018.
CSIRO deputy chief executive Kirsten Rose told the conference Australian researchers should also invest more time recruiting local Indigenous groups and experts to design and lead projects – a resource that had been overlooked in the past.
“R&D outcomes are better when we engage, listen and really collaborate with First Nations,” she said.
“There is much to learn from the original stewards of this land, which is why it’s essential that they have a seat at the table when it comes to working on our operations.”
Ms Rose said the science agency made the mistake of overlooking input from Indigenous groups when launching its AquaWatch water quality project, and had since made changes to engage with local groups and use their input.
“That was nearly two years ago and we’ve made some significant changes since then, like early engagement and really factoring that into planning, exploring opportunities for data-sharing, and working towards Indigenous ranger support,” she said.
“The team is now also looking at co-designed and Indigenous-led pilot sites.”
The Collaborate Innovate conference is expected to hear from research groups, academics, and industry partners until Wednesday.
