UQ Business School’s Professor Mark Dodgson will turn his attention to government procurement policy in the next Innovation Leadership forum to be held on October 3.
Co-convened by business leader Terry Cutler, of Mind Sharing Pty Ltd and held in Canberra, the Innovation Leadership forum will feature special guest speaker David Connell.
Mr Connell is a senior research associate at the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge University in the UK and founding CEO of TTP Ventures – a venture capital fund specialising in early stage science and technology based ventures.
Professor Dodgson said Mr Connell was ideally positioned to talk to the issues around government procurement having recently authored a report advocating the establishment of a US-style Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
“The SBIR program of the US Government pumps US$2 billion annually into innovation in small firms," Professor Dodgson said.
"It is the world’s largest venture capital firm.
“David Connell’s report has had a major influence on UK policy thinking and its findings will resonate strongly with Australian business owners and policy makers.
“In the past, government procurement has been a major lever for industry development and innovation – one thinks back to offset programs, and commitments required under industry licensing schemes.
“This forum gives us an opportunity to ask how government contracting regimes support – or don’t support – local industry.
“The forum will also consider the value and viability of a Small Business Innovation Research scheme in the Australian context.”
Professor Mark Dodgson was recently awarded a Eureka Prize for his contribution to the national innovation debate in Australia.
Mr Connell has consulted to a wide range of clients including Shell, BP, IBM, Nortel, ICI, Barclays Bank, and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Enquiries about the forum should be directed to The Churchill Club. Phone (03) 9329 8411 or email blewis@churchillclub.org.au.
For more information contact:
Brendan Fraser on (03) 9329 8411
The Churchill Club
Martie-Louise Verreynne
UQ Business School
on (07) 3365 6091
