Innovation and Science Australia has been rebranded and relaunched as Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA), as one of the first steps in the federal government’s recently announced Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said IISA will play a crucial advisory role in implementing the Modern Manufacturing Strategy and oversee the development of industry-led road maps that will guide future investment and action. “Changing the name reflects an enhanced government focus on making science and technology work for industry,” she said.
As part of the announcement, five new board members were announced.
DuluxGroup CEO Patrick Houlihan and Woodside Energy’s Lauren Stafford have both been appointed to the Board for three years.
Fintech and consumer rights expert Scott Farrell, space technology entrepreneur Dr Alex Grant and internationally recognised ag-tech innovator Sarah Nolet have been appointed for two years.
IISA chair Andrew Stevens said he was keen to get to work with the refreshed board. “These new appointments will bring a wealth of industry experience and fresh thinking to the Board,” he said.
Andrews said the government was focused on backing manufacturers to become more competitive, more resilient and capable of scaling up.
“But it is industry that will chart the course of our recovery and make this strategy stick for generations.
“We know it is industry, not governments, that create jobs, so it’s essential that we have people from industry in these key advisory roles.
“These appointments will ensure the Board has the necessary skills, expertise, and connections to the Australian business community to reshape and reignite Australian manufacturing – as well as delivering advice more broadly on how to innovate,” she said.
Current deputy chair Dr Alan Finkel’s second term ends at the end of 2020 and board member Dr Christopher Roberts’ second term ends on 12 March 2021. Current remaining board members include dean of Engineering and Computer Science at Australian National University (ANU) Professor Elanor Huntington, Professor Raoul Mortley from Bond University and ongoing ex-officio member David Fredericks.
