Broad view fosters innovation

Australia has not explored all the existing options to reach beyond its ability to think, create and deliver innovative solutions.

While it’s accepted that Australia’s global competitiveness and long-term future prosperity depends on its ability to think, create and deliver innovative solutions, we have not explored all the existing options to achieve those solutions.

From the black box flight recorder to the Cochlear implant, Australians have been creating world-changing inventions for years.

Along the way, the nation has transformed into a curious and diverse country but one whose innovation pipeline must now go beyond science, technology, engineering and maths industries.

Shipbuilding, resources and agriculture are all sectors that are developing products, solutions and services that will shape and influence our country’s long-term future.

The challenge is that the individuals with skills in STEM who can provide and get most value from these industries are being lured by tech companies and start-ups.

Australia’s ability to build and cultivate a strong network that fuels future prosperity requires a broader view. It’s essential that Australians see the potential of industries brimming with innovation that may be taking place behind the scenes.

Take the shipbuilding industry.

In 2017, the Australian government committed $90 billion to building a strong, sustainable and innovative naval shipbuilding industry that will protect maritime borders, create long-term capability, and serve our strategic and economic interests for many decades.

From self-healing paint to smart shipyards, advanced innovation is occurring in this industry and careers here are available to those willing to embrace it.

The jobs of today will not be the same as the jobs of tomorrow — evolving innovations are changing the fundamental nature of labour and skills required.

As a nation, it is critical we create a pipeline of qualified and skilled Australians who can support this innovation.

Investing in STEM will unlock and expand the pool of talent required, driving new opportunities for Australian workers and fuelling economic growth that is at the heart of a STEM-based economy.

Also critical to this is the sharing of skills and transfer of knowledge. For the Future Submarine Program, a highly structured strategy is being implemented to teach the essential skills and knowledge needed to deliver sovereign capability to Australia. The knowledge acquired throughout the program will remain entrenched across industry practice, creating an active and living bank of knowledge for future generations.

This provides a platform for Australia to build its innovation strength while encouraging the upskilling and reskilling of workers in the area of STEM, giving them the skills and knowledge they can use for the rest of their careers and provide them with career choices beyond defence.

We also can’t forget about the future and tapping into individuals who are best placed to champion STEM for the next generation of innovators.

We know it’s our duty as an employer and a good corporate citizen to play a role in elevating the awareness of STEM.

We support initiatives that deliver community youth STEM programs, we use “augmented reality” to bring to life the processes in our industry and we actively encourage Australians to engage with our team to get a real sense for what our industry is really like.

By providing the right development opportunities and nurturing skill capability in a range of sectors, we can ensure many Australians play a role in our prosperous future of innovation and inspire our future through STEM.

John Davis is chief executive of Naval Group Australia.