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Systematic evaluation of scientific research might strengthen public support, but could it also stifle innovation? The issues were debated at a symposium in Melbourne. Since the United Kingdom's first Research [...]

When it comes to research, governments the world over are asking more questions about whether they are getting value for money--and there is nothing wrong with that, says Peter Gluckman, [...]

Australia is globally recognized for its contribution to medical research, but not its capacity to develop new therapies. This scenario is increasingly problematic as return on investment from health and [...]

If asked today, how many Australians would find Donald Bradman rather than Howard Florey on the tip of their tongue as a great Australian? The Don, Sir Donald George Bradman [...]

HealthInsite is the Australian Government's Internet gateway to reliable health information online, providing access to over 15,000 information items on the websites of more than 80 approved information partners. The [...]

The day before he and I speak, Jonathan Boston receives an email on a familiar theme. It is from a colleague concerned about a junior researcher whose career decisions are [...]

This paper was given at the ALIA National Conference Powering our future, Sydney NSW 20-22 May 2002 EVERYBODY AGREES THAT INNOVATION, BASED ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, is vital for the [...]

Abstract Information and communication technologies (ICT), especially the Internet, have become the primary vehicle for promoting sustainable development and growth in the global economy. Australia is well placed to embrace [...]

An analysis is presented concerning the growth of foreign patenting in 19th century Australia, as compared to local patenting. It is posited that Australia's lower rate of patenting was due to the timing of its economic development, rather than its level of technological advancement.

Observation of trends in global space enterprise indicated that large-scale national and regional Australian space agencies built on traditional lines may struggle to survive unless they adapt and restructure. Because of the growing maturity of speculative private sector space initiatives, the role of traditional space agencies as project managers and mediators between providers and the market may become redundant. Likewise, public interest in space is no longer to be relied upon to deliver large national space budgets.

The Victorian State Government in Australia implemented Victoria 21 policy in 1995 as a means of responding to the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the information economy. Victoria 21 formulates a course of action focused on information industry development, information economy growth and the transformation of business through the use of innovative communication technology. The policy, which is supported by highly developed political and organizational structures, also provides insights on implementation strategies for countries prepared for the global on-line economy.

International best practice benchmarking helps to monitor the effects of deregulation on telecommunications that promote competition. A case study of telecommunication services in Australia reveals that the introduction of competition helps in the achievement of many short-term expectations. The competition includes significant market rivalry in the areas of international, mobile and domestic long-distance services along with lower prices. Competition has also enhanced the quality of services.

A study of the methods employed by Australian and British regulators to ensure accounting separation by dominant incumbents reveals that such procedures permit detection of monopoly power abuse. The establishment of interconnection charges regulates cost allocation, and information available to the public vary within the broad framework. The practical problems faced during such operations necessitate a modification of the program.

The Australian government's involvement in international and domestic space programs began in 1946 and subsequently declined with the end of the Cold War. However, these military programs can be restructured for civil applications that could benefit the public, such as the devlopment of a satellite communications system. Unfortunately, this scenario is being opposed by many Australian companies who are still in favor of pursuing defense applications.

China's effort to launch Aussat, the Australian communications satellite, failed in Mar 1992. A second attempt in Aug 1992 proved successful. The Long March 2-E rocket was used to launch Aussat and several other satellites. China had succeeded previously in putting other satellites, such as Asiasat and a Pakistani satellite, into orbit. The successful launch of Aussat in Aug 1992 helped the China Great Wall Industrial Corp fulfill a contract it had signed in 1988 with Hughes Aircraft Co.

The Australian Commission for the Future (CFF) is one of a number of national institutions intended to carry out futures-related work. The point of assessing its performance is to consider issues of institutional design and make use of its experience as a social learning process. It will not surprise the reader that there have been successes and failures. Both are relevant to the wider picture and to the process of creating and implementing institutions of foresight. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Research council fails to shortlist the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in its latest funding round.Research council fails to shortlist the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in its latest funding round., Author(s): Adam MortonAuthor Affiliations:Coral scientists decry loss of funding for leading Australian reef institute The Great Barrier Reef likely faces another major bleaching event this year. [see PDF for image]Credit: [...]