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Construction needs cloud flexibility

Australia’s embattled construction sector could benefit from cloud based information systems that can be switched on and off in lockstep with individual projects – with the exception of those organisations based in remote areas like the Kimberleys.

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Reps report on fostering innovation tabled

IT Policy - Regulation

The House of Representatives' Standing Committee on Science and Innovation has tabled the report of its inquiry into Pathways to Technological Innovation highlighting a number of impediments to innovation in Australia.
Key recommendations include:
• Promotion of the Government assistance that is available to businesses;
• Better fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in Australia;
• Providing a scheme of matched Government - university funding to support projects at the proof of concept stage; and
• Investigating mechanisms to direct more Government procurement to technological innovation from small & medium enterprises.

The report concluded that "Australia performs relatively well internationally across a number of key innovation indicators, with a highly skilled workforce and a large number of foreign affiliates in manufacturing R&D. However Australia falls below the OECD average in our business expenditure on R&D and levels of patenting in the United States."

The inquiry received more than 100 submissions and public hearings were held around Australia. Copies of the report can be obtained here.