Funding boost provided through innovation package

The federal government has conceded that Australia's high use of new technology is not enough to ensure its 'new economy' status.

Communications Minister Richard Alston told The Australian newspaper Australia's status as a leading consumer of technology was not enough to keep pace with science and technology developments.

He said Australia must become a producer of technology, and the government's innovation package, to be released next week, would provide a funding boost to encourage universities to take their research to market.

The package would also launch a program for primary and secondary pupils to encourage students into science and information technology careers; and would further relax immigration rules to encourage workers with IT skills to choose Australia over other countries, Alston said.

"(The package) is a recognition that you need to go beyond simply being an early adopter and prolific user (of technology)," Senator Alston told the newspaper.

Item provided courtesy of Industry Search