Securing Australia's Future: Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research for Innovation and Prosperity

The future will bring change for Australia. But whether that change is for the better or worse largely depends on the decisions we make today as individuals and as a nation. Recognising rapid changes in the global economy, environment and policy, the Australian Government engaged the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to undertake detailed interdisciplinary research to help guide Australian thinking and policy decisions. Dozens of Australia’s finest minds assessed the opportunities available to the nation globally and domestically, charting a course for the future. The resulting findings can prepare Australia to address the challenges ahead and make the most of the opportunities. Securing Australia’s Future synthesises the major themes that emerge from ACOLA’s reports. Each chapter includes key findings designed to optimise Australia’s prosperity and place in the region. The future is a long game but its base must be built now. This book provides a vision for the nation, for its politicians, public servants and industry leaders – a sound footing for securing Australia’s future. It is a vital resource for Members of Federal and State parliaments, senior public servants, industry leaders, universities and the interested public.

Table of Contents:
Prologue (by Ian Chubb)
Preface (by Michael N Barber)
Introduction
1. Australia’s strengths – and a plan for a secure future
2. Engagement with Asia: time to be smarter
3. Boosting productivity with innovation and new technologies
4. Recharging education to power the nation
5. Green and clean: securing a sustainable future
6. Conclusion: challenges and opportunities for Australia
Segue: Securing Australia’s Future Compendium (by Dr Alan Finkel)
Appendix 1. Australia’s comparative advantage
Appendix 2. STEM: Country comparisons: International comparisons of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education
Appendix 3. Smart engagement with Asia: leveraging language, research and culture
Appendix 4. The role of science, research and technology in lifting Australian productivity
Appendix 5. Technology and Australia’s future: New technologies and their role in Australia’s security, cultural, democratic, social and economic systems
Appendix 6. Engineering energy: unconventional gas production – A study of shale gas in Australia
Appendix 7. Australia's agricultural future
Appendix 8. Delivering sustainable urban mobility
Appendix 9. Translating research for economic and social benefit: country comparisons
Appendix 10. Skills and capabilities for Australian enterprise innovation
Appendix 11. Australia’s diaspora advantage: realising the potential for building transnational business networks with Asia
Index



About the Author :
Dr Simon Torok has worked in communication for more than 20 years, including as Communication Manager for CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, as a climate change communicator at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in England, and as editor of two science magazines for young people. Simon has a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication from the Australian National University, and completed a PhD in climate change science at the University of Melbourne. Paul Holper worked for CSIRO in the environmental research field for over 25 years, in senior communication and research management roles. He managed the Australian Climate Change Science Program, was convenor of the high-profile Australian climate change science 'Greenhouse' conference series, and was Communication Manager for Atmospheric Research. Paul has an Honours degree in chemistry and qualifications in science communication and education.