Evaluating Innovation Policies in Australian Government: BACKING AUSTRALIA'S ABILITY

In industrialised countries, innovation is a key source of economic growth. Research is a key driver of technological innovation and involves the process of systematic investigation and/or experimentation to discover new knowledge. The Governments' industry innovation policy supports a business focus on Research and Development (R&D) through a range of programs in order to achieve these aims. The Innovation Statement, launched by the Australian Prime Minister in January 2001, commits an additional $3 billion over five years to encourage and support innovation. The Australian Government aims to build world competitive firms and strong research capability in industry to strengthen Australia's international competitiveness and increase national prosperity. It develops policies and programs to enhance investment in innovation. The Australian Government also undertakes analysis and comparisons of innovation policies, instruments and approaches to maintain a leading-edge National Innovation System. This includes analysis of the innovation activities of other nations, and evaluation of the impacts of innovation policies and programs on Australia's institutions and enterprises. This paper examines Australia's Innovation policies, Backing Australian Ability.