Chief Scientist | 31 July 2013
In an address to the National Press Club, Chief Scientist Ian Chubb outlined the urgent need for a national Science Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strategy and released a position paper , Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the National Interest: a Strategic Approach .
The paper highlights the central importance of investment in STEM as well as in social sciences and humanities research and education.
The crucial role played by innovation in lifting national productivity and the importance of improving links between public education and research and the private sector is also highlighted.
The paper proposes a strategy with “four essential, interconnected elements”:
- Education: formal and informal;
- Knowledge: ensuring a continuous flow of new ideas, and their dissemination;
- Innovation: using knowledge to produce high value goods and services; and,
- Influence: collaboration, networks and alliances, to ensure that Australia earns its place in the world.
In order to progress development of these strategic actions, Chubb proposes the establishment of a National Innovation Council, and suggests that the Prime Minister’s Science Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC), could be structured and referenced to
undertake the role.
