The final seminar addresses policy on the national innovation system which is the subject of a major review of its own chaired by Dr Terry Cutler, additional to the Bradley review of the higher education system. Research and innovation are increasingly central in the global knowledge economy and this has pitchforked universities, knowledge dissemination and the commercial R&D sector into the centre of national thinking. The Cutler review is a rare opportunity for Australia to make the policy moves needed to move from global follower to global leader in research and innovation. How can we strengthen long-term capacity in basic research and the creation of breakthrough ideas, and knowledge dissemination and public/private partnerships in innovation? How can the boundary relations between universities and other knowledge-forming organizations be optimized? What measures are needed to reproduce the research labour force and attract the best global talent? What are the real costs of research and are we funding them?

The Hon. Evan Thornley, MP is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council and is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, responsible for the National Reform Agenda and Innovation. He co-founded and is a former CEO of internet search advertising company LookSmart.

Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane is Executive Chairman of Mary O’Kane and Associates, a company that advises governments, universities and the private sector on innovation, research, education and development. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. Previously, she was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide (1996-2001).

The session will be chaired by Dr Terry Cutler, Chairman, Review of the National Innovation System.

Light refreshments will be available in the Mezzanine outside GM15 from 6.00pm – 6.30pm, followed by presentations from the speakers, and a period of discussion and audience participation.

Registration and further information:
The seminars are expected to attract considerable interest and pre-registration is essential. To register and for information about the seminar series, speakers, parking arrangements and maps visit the Investing in the Future website

Inquiries:
Michelle Segal
Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE)
mjsegal@unimelb.edu.au
(03) 8344 4604

Location:
Room GM15
Melbourne Law School, Mezzanine Level

Coordinated by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education and the LH Martin Institute for Higher Education and Management