A Marine Nation: National Framework for Marine Research and Innovation, prepared by the Ocean Policy Science Advisory Group, sets the direction for research in this area through a nationally co-ordinated initiative of Australia’s marine science, technology and innovation effort.
The strategy in the report identifies the research, development and innovation needed from government, industry and the community to develop Australia’s marine industries.
The document was produced following the United Nations announcement of an extension of Australia’s continental shelf to 13.5 million square kilometres.
Marine research and innovation
Article continues below…The report identifies marine research and innovation opportunities and challenges such as:
* Increased economic and energy security from marine and seabed resources * The effects of climate change.
The report advocates a renewed national effort in marine industries development, industry engagement and skills training in green jobs. Other recommendations include infrastructure investment and policy interface.
Ocean technologies
The report recognises that there is a push for new economic activities in the coastal zone including interest in renewable energy through tidal and/or wave power; “Importantly, such developments will need to be considered in the context of ongoing coastal development and natural resource management.”
Australian marine industries are of major value to the nation and rapidly growing. The report states that supporting this growth requires strong and expanded engagement with marine research and innovation providers, based on developing innovative technologies and solutions, and creating formal partnerships.
Therefore, the report recommends that to strengthen national capability in marine industries, one element of the proposed national framework should be directed at marine industries development. Envisaged within this is involvement in marine technology and engineering, material science, robotics and marine information and communications technology. The three focal areas are:
Innovative technology
A program directed at working with industry to develop new technologies that will provide competitive advantage and environmental effectiveness in emerging industries such as tidal and wave generation.
Innovation solutions
Launching the report Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr said “To succeed and prosper, all industries need to embrace innovation and be willing to adopt new ways of doing things.”
