The Victorian Government has announced plans for four new agencies to advise on science, technology and sustainability, with funding totalling $7.9 million provided in the 2011-12 budget.

 

The Office of the Lead Scientist will be established with funding of $5.3 million over four years. According to the Coalition’s innovation election policy, the Lead Scientist will be appointed to

 

  • foster linkages between institutions and industries across the entire innovation value chain (education, research, industry, venture capital and commercialisation);
  • support the commercialisation of Victorian research;
  • provide advice on providing adequate funding for major science, technology and research infrastructure;
  • work closely with the Federal Government, states and territories to ensure funding is spent effectively and clusters of related and support industries are created;
  • provide advice to relevant Victorian Ministers and work closely with the senior scientists in the Department of Primary Industries; and
  • chair the Victorian Biotechnology Advisory Council and the “Green Working Committee.

 

The Victorian Biotechnology Advisory Council will be established with funding of $1.2 million over four years. Its role will be to provide a link between industry and government in fostering Victoria's biotechnology industry. Chaired by the Lead Scientist, it will report directly to the Minister for Innovation. The Council will be supported by a secretariat based in the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.

 

The Council’s key roles will be:

  • identifying sectors and priority areas for research in biotechnology that he Victorian government needs to target;
  • identifying ways to attract global and venture capital investment for Victorian biotechnology;
  • identifying ways to attract and retain people with the skills and expertise in biotechnology research, development and ommercialisation;
  • fostering institutions and industries across the entire innovation value chain in key sectors; and
  • providing advice on how to enhance management skills in the biotechnology sector, encouraging entrepreneurship, and monitoring demand and supply for specialist skills.

 

An Industry Sustainability Working Committee will be established with $1 million over two years to liaise with industry, research and educational organisations and provide strategic advice to the Government on industry sustainability issues.

 

A new Collaborative Networks for Technology Transfer will receive funding of $0.4 million over 3 years. It will establish formal commercialisation networks between industry and the private sector and develop a suitable showcase to further promote the commercial technology opportunities identified through the initiative.