Innovation the focus of talks with Israeli Chief Scientist

The opportunities and challenges for Australia’s innovation ecosystem, and a Statement on Innovation Cooperation were at the centre of discussions when Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, met with Israel’s Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy in Tel Aviv overnight.

Minister Pyne said the meeting with Mr Avi Hasson was an opportunity to learn about Israel’s approach to driving innovation, and how the nation’s new National Authority for Technology and Innovation will lead to further developments in the sector.

“Israel’s economic transformation into a country with one of the highest levels of innovation and entrepreneurship in the world has won praise from many economies, including ours,” Mr Pyne said.

“It’s an opportune time for the Australian Government to sound out advice from other nations that have embraced innovation as a means of boosting economic growth.”

Minister Pyne said the signing of a Statement on Innovation Cooperation with Israel was also timely, given the very recent release of the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.

“This Statement signals our two countries’ intention to continue to negotiate on two treaties – one on furthering our relationships in Industrial Research and Development, and one on collaboration in Science and Technology.”

He said the meeting with the Israeli Chief Scientist helped the Government continue to make great strides in this space by gaining an important insight into the path Israel has taken in putting innovation at the centre of its economic transformation.

JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT

IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

15 December 2015

Recognizing the longstanding and highly productive technological links between the State of Israel ("Israel") and the The Commonwealth of Australia ("Australia") forged, among others, under the auspices of a Memoranda of Understanding signed in 1987.

Recognizing that Israel is a world leader in building a supportive, flexible environment,innovation and research and development ("R&D") culture for emerging businesses. Australia has a world class research system and outward looking businesses ready to collaborate internationally.

Recognizing that the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science(the "Participants"), are responsible for providing support to research and development activities of entities, respectively, from Israel and Australia.

Desiring to promote cooperation between Israel and Australia in the field of research and development ("R&D");

Recognizing that such bilateral cooperation willadvance the bilateral development in the different technological sectors that both sides will find relevant as well as enhance the friendly relationships between Israel and Australia;

The Participants may consider exploring ways, in accordance with the respective applicable laws, regulations, rules, procedures and mechanisms of Israel and Australia, respectively, to facilitate mutually agreed activities aiming to enhance cooperation between entities from Israel and from Australia in R&D.

Signed in Tel Aviv on 15 December 2015 in two original copies