"The Cutler panel deserves to be commended for its report Venturous Australia. It offers a sound basis for reinvigorating Australia’s culture of innovation," Go8 Chair, Professor Alan Robson said today.

Professor Robson welcomed the report’s emphasis on human capital and research, and the need to boost the capacity of firms to absorb knowledge through collaborative relations with universities and other research institutions.

"Of particular interest to the Group of Eight are the 14 recommendations in Chapter 6 of the report on ‘building excellence in research’, and we endorse every one of them," Professor Robson said.

"Fully funding the costs of research and distributing resources for research and research training based on evidence of excellence is the most sensible course for Australia,” Professor Robson said.

"It is most logical for Australia to concentrate research investment in areas of strength, and invest further in that strength wherever it can be demonstrated. It is essential to open up funding for research and innovation to international partners and participants. And it is imperative to increase the attractiveness of research as a career," Professor Robson said.

"Now it is up to the Government to take prompt action on the report, and ensure Australia falls no further behind the world’s knowledge leaders."

FOR COMMENT: Professor Alan Robson, Ph: 08 6488 2809