The Robyn Denholm-led Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) review looks like it will be wrapped-up two months early, which can only be taken as a positive sign of the urgency by which the task has been undertaken.
The review was due to be completed by the end of the year, but that timetable has been brought forward by Ms Denholm to the end of October.
In papers released this week, the SERD panel said it would use the two months after completing the report to engage with ministers and portfolios to press its findings. More good news.
The review secretariat released two issues papers this week – one on ‘Scaling the system: a proactive approach to scaling the R&D system’ and the other on ‘R&DTI incentives: Incentivising breakthrough innovation and ambitious R&D’. Public feedback is open until the end of September.
There are three more issues papers due to be published this month – one on ‘Government as exemplar’ and the other two on ‘Investment and capital’ and ‘foundational research’.
The consultation and public communications process for this SERD review has been excellent.
This week, we announced 30-plus outstanding finalists across eight categories for the InnovationAus Awards for Excellence. You can find the full list here.
Each of these companies will be featured in the pages of InnovationAus.com in the coming weeks. The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner for 550 people at the Sydney Town Hall on November 27. You can book your tickets here.
The first six months of Donald Trump’s second presidency has been characterised by a series of demolition projects – some figurative and some literal. The most recent example has been the demolition of Jackie Kennedy’s Rose Garden at the White House.
Mr Trump ordered that the manicured lawn of the Rose Garden be paved over, with outdoor tables and what look like beach umbrellas, modelled apparently as an homage to a seating area at Trump’s Palm Beach club Mar a Largo.
Ploughing under the White House creation of a Camelot-era Democrat icon screams with potent symbolism.
But what to make of the first event to be held at the newly paved garden? A tech bro convention, with the whole gang in attendance.
Mark, Tim, Satya, Bill, Sam and Sundai – among others – are all in attendance.
A brief history of the White House Rose Garden. It’s fascinating, with origins that go to Civil War hero (and former US President) Ulysses S Grant.
Prior to Mr Trump installing a patio, the last remodeling had been done by Jackie Kennedy during John F’s presidency.
In other news this week:
Scientists warn capability chasm threatens future generations – InnovationAus [Subscriber]
‘Persuasive rhetoric’: Pressure mounts on govt over age assurance – InnovationAus [Subscriber]
Quantum Brilliance pioneers hybrid computing with US lab – InnovationAus
They Paved Paradise? A Closer Look at Trump’s New White House Rose Garden – Vogue
Google dodges a $2.5 trillion breakup – Politico
How Elon Musk Is Remaking Grok in His Image – New York Times [$$]
RBA exploring how AI can affect economy, governor says – Reuters via InnovationAus
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