WESTERN Australian science innovation is set to bloom over the next five years with the State Government launching three new programs as part of an initiative to build industry, science and innovation in WA.
The programs, introduced by WA Science and Innovation Minister John Day, are aimed to boost a competitive advantage by promoting research, innovation and local business development to benefit areas of strategic importance to WA.
“The State Government is committed to investing in key areas that will deliver direct benefits to the State and also build a strong future for WA,” he said.
The first initiative, the Innovation Capability Development Program – WA Business Online, is looking at improving the rate of participation by WA industry in e-commerce and online economic activity.
According to Department of Commerce’s General Manager of Risk and Program Management, John Berry, WA companies are facing an increasingly competitive business environment and these programs aim to create long-term benefits for Western Australia.
“These programs will encourage local companies to adopt innovative practices so they can remain competitive,” he said.
The level of funding for part one of this initiative is up to a maximum of $100 000 per successful applicant over one year.
The second scheme, the Innovation Investment Facilitation Program, is to assist in the establishment of innovation projects that will develop world-class infrastructures and facilities that will attract and keep researchers in WA, increase research and development investment in WA, and assist in research collaboration with Commonwealth Government agencies and focus on committing more Commonwealth funding to WA.
Funding for this initiative is between $50 000 and $100 000 per successful applicant over 12 months.
The final scheme, the Research Centres Program, intends to provide initial and catalytic investments to help establish and support research centres which focus on specific WA challenges and opportunities.
The level of funding for this project is between $1 million and $5 million per successful applicant over a three to five year period.
According to a representative from the Department of Commerce, the development of science and innovation is essential to the economic growth of WA.
“The major focus for all the funding programs is to create a tangible return to Western Australia either through the successful commercialisation of outcomes from research and innovation, improvements to social amenity or the improvement to environmental outcomes for WA.”
For those interested in these programs can go to the WA Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au
