Backing innovation

15 November 2005

AGSM and the faculties of engineering and science at UNSW have joined forces to accelerate the commercialisation of research.

AGSM and UNSW launched an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative this week with plans to establish a Centre for Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship.

Announcing the initiative, AGSM Dean Rob McLean said fast-tracking capabilities in innovation and commercialisation is vital as it relates directly to future economic prosperity. "This is an exciting first step towards establishing an inter-disciplinary centre that links business skills for innovation and commercialisation with outstanding technical research," Mr McLean said.

Dr Peter Farrell, Chairman and Chief Executive of Resmed, the Australian-founded medical technology company, has provided seed funding for the initiative.

Dr Farrell who is a Visiting Professor at UNSW and sits on AGSM's Advisory Council says Australia needs to build a strong, viable entrepreneurial culture where innovation thrives. "Innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial for wealth creation - and wealth creation is fundamentally part of a growing society," Dr Farrell said.

For the full story see the AGSM website.