Innovatia

This was designed and developed by C.Y. Oconner who also designed Fremantle Har- bour (thought to be impossible). Melbourne’s sewerage system has also provided world-class sanitation for over 100 years, protecting public health and the envi- ronment. Can you share some insights into the cut- ting-edge trends in the engineering land- scape, particularly in terms of technological advancements and innovation. How might they advance Australia’s national interests? The engineering landscape in Australia is undergoing significant transformation due to technological advancements. Digital twins, virtual replicas of systems, have the potential to revolutionise various sectors by optimising solutions, reducing costs, and enhancing global competitiveness. Empha- sis on sustainable energy, particularly wind, solar, and tidal sources, positions Australia to become a leader in eco-friendly solutions, simultaneously creating green jobs and re- ducing carbon footprints. The advent of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, promises efficiency and waste reduction in production processes. Mean- while, artificial intelligence (AI), especially in sectors like mining and healthcare, can boost productivity and streamline diagnos- tics. The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to transform urban spaces into smart cities, en- hancing the quality of life with efficient traf- fic, energy, and waste management systems. Innovations in advanced materials like graphene open doors for growth in high- tech industries, while breakthroughs in bio- medical engineering can solidify Australia’s

position as a medical research hub. Further- more, the rise of autonomous systems in transportation and agriculture ensures en- hanced productivity across vast landscapes. Embracing these innovations not only en- sures economic growth and environmental stewardship but also cements Australia’s role as a global leader in technological ad- vancement. Innovation is a cornerstone of progress. What is your perspective on the current state of innovation within the engineering field? Do any specific examples come to mind? Despite having one of the world’s most ed- ucated and wealthy populations, Australia remains a chronic underperformer when it comes to the commercialisation of engineer- ing innovation. Australia’s science, technol- ogy, engineering, and maths (STEM) start-up ecosystem is consistently ranked as one of the worst in the developed world. The commercialisation of engineering in- novation is frequently viewed through the lens of profit-making or job creation. How- ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how important STEM ecosystems are for cri- sis response, from creating vaccines to help- ing people and businesses transition to new modes of operating during lockdowns. For Australia to improve its capacity to commercialise STEM innovation, there are three core issues where a genuine policy shift is required, as outlined in our Commer- cialisation of Engineering Innovation Report: • Improving models of collaboration and ecosystem development. • Reforming grants processes and tender- ing for government contracts.

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