Presents recommendations for Australia to take a strategic approach to science and its related fields, focusing on: building competitiveness, supporting high quality education and training, maximising research potential and strengthening international engagement.

Introduction

The global economy is changing. New technologies and smart companies lead. New industries and new sources of wealth are emerging. New skills are required for workers at all levels.

Australians must decide whether we will be in the forefront of these changes or be left behind. We have a choice.

Our competitiveness cannot be underpinned by our natural resources alone.

Nor can we afford to be complacent about our place in the global race.

Nations at all levels of development are now focusing on the capabilities required for building new jobs and creating wealth. In partnership with business, they are acting now to secure the skills, investment and international alliances for the future.

At the core of almost every agenda is a focus on STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is the almost universal preoccupation now shaping economic plans. In other words, the economic plans are designed to support the focus on STEM, rather than limit it.

We too need to recognise that prosperity has to be earned; just as opportunity must be embraced.

Above all, we need to ensure that our needs and our capabilities are aligned: across government and across the Australian community.

It is the knowledge that STEM will offer and the sensible application of that knowledge that are the means to the end: building a stronger Australia with a competitive economy.