Call for innovation to unlock resource potential Wednesday, 11 November 2015

The CSIRO has released a framework for innovation that will help to realise Australia’s energy and mineral resources potential.

The report, Unlocking Australia’s resource potential, draws on the insights of 26 senior leaders in some of Australia’s largest minerals and energy companies. It also analyses past case studies, current barriers and trends to map the way in the future through innovation.

CSIRO Executive Director of Environment, Energy and Resources, Dr Alex Wonhas said strong collaboration, visionary leadership, measured risk taking, perseverance and government participation were key ingredients of successful past innovation and may be even more important in the future.

"Despite Australia’s great past record and rewards from resource sector innovation, many companies and agencies are struggling to realise full value from their innovation investments for a number of reasons," he said.

"Our research shows that many of the same features that gave rise to past innovation successes, are those identified by industry leaders as needed to break through existing barriers to innovation.”

METS Ignited is the recently established industry growth centre for the mining equipment, technology and services sector.

Its chair Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, welcomed the findings about the crucial role of the METS sector in innovation, as well as the challenge to produce even greater impact through stronger collaboration.

"Improved collaboration targeted towards innovation success is exactly what METS Ignited has been established to deliver," she said.

"The insights from industry leaders, case studies and the framework for successful collaboration in this report, provide a valuable tool to guide innovation that will benefit industry, the innovators and Australia."

CSIRO is one of many organisations contributing to METS Ignited and other industry growth centres.

"This is one part of our contribution and vision to be Australia’s innovation catalyst, creating value and prosperity for customers and for the nation," Wonhas said.

 

Image: CSIRO