Building the future through science and innovation

The Australian government is encouraging Australia's research and business communities to work together through 'Backing Australia's Ability (BAA) - Building Our Future through Science and Innovation'.

International business publisher, Stroudgate Australasia has worked closely with numerous government departments, including Invest Australia, to produce the publication, which has received widespread endorsement. Contributors include The Hon. John Howard, Prime Minister Australia; The Hon. Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources; The Hon. Mark Vaile, Minister for Trade; as well as Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham.

The package brings funding under the BAA initiative to AU$8.3 billion over the 10 years to 2010-11 and builds on the government's already substantial funding in research, commercialisation and skills.

The BAA represents an obligation to pursue excellence in research, science and technology, through three key themes:

• the generation of new ideas (research and development);
• the commercial application of ideas; and
• developing and retaining skills.

Included within the research and development theme are tax concessions totalling AU$449 million and a number of integral research and development programs, including the Australian Research Council, the CSIRO's flagship program and National ICT Australia.