Why is it so difficult to develop great ideas and inventions in Australia?
Australians have an international reputation for creativity, yet the country has an abysmal track record for turning scientific and engineering innovation into a vibrant, growing and wealth creating industrial base that is globally positioned. Dr James Fox, Managing Director of publicly listed Vision Systems Limited, gave this strong message in the 2002 Warren Centre Innovation Lecture. Vision Systems Limited is the leading supplier of contract research and development and technology commercialisation services to manufacturing industry, and also manufactures and exports high value medical instruments, video surveillance products and high sensitivity smoke detection products. The company employs over 650 staff, has revenues of $150 million per annum and operates world wide. More than 85 per cent of revenues are earned in markets outside Australia. Dr Fox stressed that the first and most critical missing link in capturing and converting creative ability is a competent and sustainable ind
