Innovation on the agenda for Australian thought leaders
There is a need for Australian businesses to strike a balance between supporting existing innovation leaders and allowing the emergence of the next generation of innovators.
Finding the best way to build Australia’s future workforce is a key priority for government, industry, and education sectors – a challenge highlighted in the Innovation and Science Australia 2030 Strategic Plan Issues Paper.
The Federal Government tasked Innovation and Science Australia with a roadmap to position the nation among the world’s leading innovation economies by 2030. The paper’s vision for Australia in 2030 is clear: “We want Australia counted within the top-tier of innovation nations, known and respected for its excellence in science, research and commercialisation.
“Innovation, which can underpin a diversity of internationally competitive industries, will enable todays and future generations to have meaningful work, and a great quality of life, in a fair and inclusive society.”
Riding the wave of digital disruption in Australia
There’s no doubt that Innovation and Science Australia face the complex task of charting a way forward as waves of digital disruption in Australia continue to reshape industries with increasing speed and intensity.
Ignoring the ramifications of digital disruption in Australia will put the wellbeing and prosperity we enjoy at risk, the issues paper reads. On a positive note, the paper also points out that there’s an opportunity to harness this disruption to our advantage.
A large part of the solution lies in Australia's strong commitment to quality education and skills development. Australia’s demographic profile will continue to change as we move to 2030, and the demands of our economy will also change. More people will require digital skills for the future and knowledge to be able to meet these future economic demands.
As such, the paper suggests that Australia needs to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. We also need an education system that adopts the best techniques to equip learners for a rapidly changing world - including building digital skills for the future into all levels of education and training.
One of the clearest opportunities for individuals is to build expertise in fields at the heart of digital disruption in Australia – data analytics, business intelligence, and Ai strategy. Across industries, leaders are looking for professionals who can turn complex data into smart decisions, automate processes responsibly, and identify innovation opportunities.
According to Deloitte, 76 per cent of Australian companies report that demand for analytics and Ai skills has grown significantly in the past five years. Yet a persistent skills gap means many organisations struggle to unlock the full value of their data - creating strong career prospects for professionals who upskill now with digital skills for the future.
The ‘think tank’ begins…
The next task for Innovation and Science Australia is to outline a strategic plan for developing the country’s smarts until 2030. It will describe what the innovation, science and research system should look like in 2030 and determine how Australians can achieve this vision.
If you want to be part of this future, the time to invest in your own skills is now. A postgraduate qualification in analytics or Ai strategy can equip you to analyse data at scale, design innovative business solutions, and lead teams through digital disruption with confidence.
Explore your pathway with RMIT’s fully online Master of Business Analytics and AI Strategy, Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics or Graduate Certificate in Data Science — all designed for busy professionals ready to drive innovation in Australia and beyond.
If you are considering online postgraduate study, get in touch with our Student Enrolment team on 1300 701 171.