Securing Australia's future : harnessing interdisciplinary research for innovation and prosperity / Simon Torok and Paul Holper.

Includes index.

Cover; Contents; Prologue; Preface; Introduction; An evidence-based approach to informing policy; Securing Australia's future; Golden threads; Interdisciplinary research topics; The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA); 1. Australia's strengths -- and a plan for a secure future; Introduction; Addressing the fundamentals; Policy directions; Opportunities for sectors of the economy; An innovative workforce; Protecting our environment; Conclusion; 2. Engagement with Asia: time to be smarter; Introduction; Smart engagement: identifying the opportunities.

Tapping into the market while avoiding the risksTeaming with our neighbours; Better business; Conclusion; 3. Boosting productivity with innovation and new technologies; Introduction; Investing in ourselves; Transforming research into value; Innovation requires skilled labour and collaboration across disciplines; Tinkering, failing and adapting: working with new technology; Conclusion; 4. Recharging education to power the nation; Introduction; Achieving an innovative, flexible and creative workforce; Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education: a national report card.

Encouraging and improving STEM teachingToo few women in STEM; Lifting Indigenous engagement in STEM; Partnering and enriching; National STEM coordination; Lessons for Australia and STEM; Findings for the future; Engaging with the world; Conclusion; 5. Green and clean: securing a sustainable future; Introduction; Environment and energy; Cities and mobility; Collaborative research for sustainability; Preparing for the future; Conclusion; 6. Conclusion: challenges and opportunities for Australia; Advice for an unknowable future; Past performance `"future success.

Smart farming, smart engagementEducating the future workforce; Exporting knowledge; Securing Australia's environment; Taking it home: key messages; Segue: Securing Australia's Future compendium; Appendix 1. Australia's Comparative Advantage; Appendix 2. STEM: Country Comparisons: International Comparisons of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; Appendix 3. Smart Engagement with Asia: Leveraging Language, Research and Culture; Appendix 4. The Role of Science, Research and Technology in Lifting Australian Productivity.

Appendix 5. Technology and Australia's Future: New Technologies and their Role in Australia's Security, Cultural, Democratic, Social and Economic SystemsAppendix 6. Engineering Energy: Unconventional Gas Production; Appendix 7. Australia's Agricultural Future; Appendix 8. Delivering Sustainable Urban Mobility; Appendix 9. Translating Research for Economic and Social Benefit: Country Comparisons; Appendix 10. Skills and Capabilities for Australian Enterprise Innovation.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The future will bring change for Australia. But whether that change is for the better or worse largely depends on the decisions we make today as individuals and as a nation. Recognising rapid changes in the global economy, environment and policy, the Australian Government engaged the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to undertake detailed interdisciplinary research to help guide Australian thinking and policy decisions. Dozens of Australia's finest minds assessed the opportunities available to the nation globally and domestically, charting a course for the future. The resulting findings can prepare Australia to address the challenges ahead and make the most of the opportunities. Securing Australia's Future synthesises the major themes that emerge from ACOLA's reports. Each chapter includes key findings designed to optimise Australia's prosperity and place in the region.The future is a long game but its base must be built now. This book provides a vision for the nation, for its politicians, public servants and industry leaders ' a sound footing for securing Australia's future. It is a vital resource for Members of Federal and State parliaments, senior public servants, industry leaders, universities and the interested public.

eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - Worldwide