National Innovation and Science Agenda

I welcome the release today of the Government's National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The Agenda will ensure Australia is an enterprising, entrepreneurial and creative nation, capable of maximising the benefits from the economic transformation taking place in the Indo-Pacific region.

The innovationXchange, an exciting hub within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is already demonstrating how new partnerships can address development challenges in Australia's region, including through our work with Bloomberg Philanthropies to collect health data via mobile devices.

As part of this Agenda, the Government's overseas network of more than 130 posts will promote Australia's innovation, science and research capabilities overseas.

Our diplomatic posts will connect Australian innovators with business, the Australian diaspora and the international alumni of Australian universities, including through internship placements for Australians under the New Colombo Plan.

The Agenda commits to reviewing the Film Location Offset designed to attract major motion pictures to be produced in Australia and provide jobs in our creative industries. The recent decision to provide a top up to the Location Offset for two projects was instrumental in securing the agreement to produce in Australia the new Twentieth Century Fox 'Alien' film and Disney/Marvel's 'Thor: Ragnarok'.

Strengthening Australia's innovation and research links globally, and connecting with international investors, will lift Australia's domestic innovation performance and help Australia maximise opportunities in the new global economy.

The new international profile brought to Australia's innovation and science capabilities will also attract international entrepreneurs to visit and work in Australia and enhance Australia's economic prosperity and international competitiveness.