Cargo cult innovation

Finally he makes the point that entrepreneurial spin-off companies are, in general, not as important as established companies. It is only in sectors where “destructive” technological change is creating opportunities that they have a chance to grow and prosper. The spread of the Internet is an obvious example where established businesses are battling with newcomers for news, music, film and the general delivery of information.

But, Professor Hughes is not dismissing the importance of the role of universities and public R & D. It is making a key contribution in producing graduates who will invent, implement and deploy innovations for the benefit of their companies. The published research enables a spreading of information that is a public good. But most importantly the direct network of contacts from universities to companies and from companies to universities at many different levels provides what may well be the key link.

So what opportunities are there for a new Minister? Most important could be a better perspective on the role of universities with less prescriptive direction. Less emphasis on the “high-tech” sectors and more understanding of the important sectors of the economy and the export sectors would help. Finally a lessening of the political correctness of such things as bans on GM crops, when plant growth in a harsh climate might benefit from genetic alteration and the picking of winners with alternative or renewable energy.

Innovations have an ability to come from unexpected directions and the greatest contribution for a government is to ensure that we have a well educated and technically literate community. But remember that many innovations have nothing to do with new technology!