Submission to the Tasmanian Government Advanced Technologies Industry Strategy

Submission to the Tasmanian Department of State Growth

Science and technology are vital to Tasmania’s economy, people and environment. The development of an Advanced Technology Industries Strategy will help to make the most of the outsized impact of Tasmania’s research and development sector by catalysing the transformation of breakthroughs into real world applications that benefit Tasmanians and build the state’s economic resilience. Establishing a strong advanced technology industry sector will require strengthening Tasmania’s approach to research, development and commercialisation. It will be necessary to centralise coordination and invest in key enablers – innovation hubs, a skilled workforce and critical infrastructure. These investments will have multiplier benefits across the state’s economy and local community.

ATSE recommends the following actions to develop Tasmania’s advanced technology industries:

Recommendation 1: Appoint a Tasmanian Chief Scientist or establish an independent advisory Tasmanian Science and Technology Council to help support and coordinate research activities across government, industry and academic.

Recommendation 2: Work with the University of Tasmania to develop best practice frameworks to reduce administrative burdens for establishing and growing successful industry and government collaborations.

Recommendation 3: Establish innovation hubs for identified priority research areas that co-locate industry and academic researchers to accelerate development.

Recommendation 4: Improve digital connectivity and reliability in regional areas to support greater remote work and study options.

Recommendation 5: Invest in critical research infrastructure at innovation hubs and the University of Tasmania.

Recommendation 6: Actively recruit specialist teachers into the Tasmanian education system, and provide greater support and professional development to out-of-field teachers.