Tag: policy

The Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest from eligible higher education institutions for funding under the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) scheme. The CRN scheme will provide up to $51 million from 2011 until mid-2013 to help less research-intensive smaller and regional universities strengthen their research capacity by teaming up with other institutions in areas of common interest.

In this week's interview, RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about the death of Keynesian economics. He shares the growing view that stimulus packages around the world have increased debt, have not reduced unemployment and have made the crisis worse. He warns that Australia will feel the impact over the next year when China starts unwinding its stimulus package.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), last week, released a 'How to' guide for for innovation in industrial research. Called Innovation in Industrial Research, the book was written for Australian scientists, managers and students.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), last week, released a 'How to' guide for for innovation in industrial research. Called Innovation in Industrial Research, the book was written for Australian scientists, managers and students.

In this week's overview of the economy, RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson voices the belief that Treasury chief Ken Henry is likely to be replaced, while Julia Gillard seeks new economic advisers. He says the Gillard Government will need to slash spending to bring about the budget surplus she says the government is committed to achieving.

Today, the Twittersphere is alive with speculation over whether the controversial internet filtering policy will be ditched and what the future holds for Senator Conroy. The general consensus seems to be one involving a Cabinet shuffle, letting Conroy keep responsibility for the NBN and passing the Communications portfolio to fellow Labor Senator Kate Lundy. Many pundits would be pleased with this development. And so, it could also be argued, might the good Senator himself.

Being a single industry economy is notoriously dangerous. And few countries understand this better than Iceland. Not wanting to remain in the doldrums, Iceland is trying to re-brand itself as a journalistic haven, centre of creativity and popular tourist destination. Cue cart-wheeling citizens.

Are you a business owner under 35 living in New South Wales? Industry & Investment NSW is inviting young NSW entrepreneurs to a Round Table event on Friday 4 Jun 2010 (3pm to 5pm). This event was developed to help the NSW Government gain a better understanding of the hurdles and expectations of young people who are starting and running a business.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.

As a 'business' commentator, I won't pretend to know the ins-and-outs of the 'political' history or reasons for the conflict (that's background you can find elsewhere). But I would like to make some observations about business in Thailand and what we, as Australians, can learn from our neighbours in this Kingdom to our not-so-distant North.

Gerry Harvey, chief of Harvey Norman, is now in his 70s. In this rare interview with Gary Barker and Leon Gettler, he talks about the stupidity of people retiring at 65. He also shares insights on the future of Harvey Norman.

Two remarkable things happened at the launch of Creative Innovation 2010. Firstly, a senior representative from a leading Australian bank told an endearing story about her early successes outside the banking sector. (It's a rare thing to be won over by a representative from the Australian banking sector.) Secondly, conference organiser Tania de Jong, surprised the crowd with a story about her grandmother's inventiveness... before bursting into song.

There are numerous programs and indexes launched each year to assess a country's innovation capabilities. Among the most comprehensive and credible is the Global Innovation Index prepared by INSEAD, which last week released its 2009-2010 report, revealing some unexpected outcomes. According to the report, Australia is losing its way as a country supportive of innovation. However, its innovation outputs are on the rise.

There are numerous programs and indexes launched each year to assess a country's innovation capabilities. Among the most comprehensive and credible is the Global Innovation Index prepared by INSEAD, which last week released its 2009-2010 report, revealing some unexpected outcomes. According to the report, Australia is losing its way as a country supportive of innovation. However, its innovation outputs are on the rise.

The North Coast Innovation Festival was launched in 2009 to raise public awareness of the Mid-North Coast’s reputation as an innovative and entrepreneurial region, and harness this culture in a way that will help ensure the region’s sustainability and future economic growth. Here's how you can get involved.

A privately initiated discussion has been gaining some momentum on the Anthill LinkedIn Group over the past week. The discussion was triggered by an announcement from the Office of Senator Kim Carr, Australia's Minister for Innovation, pertaining to the selection of Commercialisation Australian board members.

A privately initiated discussion has been gaining some momentum on the Anthill LinkedIn Group over the past week. The discussion was triggered by an announcement from the Office of Senator Kim Carr, Australia's Minister for Innovation, pertaining to the selection of Commercialisation Australian board members.

Last week, I was fortunate to be among a small group of people who attended Anthill's Grant Funding by Design Masterclass, in partnership with Design Victoria. In addition to providing an extremely candid explanation of what grant assessors are looking for, AusIndustry's Samara Fitzgerald-Gelnay provided an extremely helpful document on the programs and grants available to growing, innovative Australian businesses through AusIndustry.

Thomas Jefferson once said that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance”. However, in the case of Romania’s post-communist population, the price is also size 52 trousers. In stark contrast to the lean Eastern Bloc days, half of Romania’s population is now overweight. Apparently, a burger, fries and jumbo soda became the cherished trophies of Cold War liberation.