MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE - Innovation a welcome focus of STEM report

SYDNEY, September 3, 2014: Australia's peak ICT professional body the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has welcomed the focus on innovation contained within the STEM: Australia's Future report released by the office of the Chief Scientist.

In addition to this focus, the report also re-affirms the concern around declining student numbers in STEM based courses at a tertiary level, alongside the lack of qualified teachers for STEM subjects in the secondary school system.

The recommendation to establish an Australian Innovation Board is aligned with the

ACS submission to the recent inquiry into Australia's Innovation Future, in which the ACS called for the establishment of the office of the Chief Innovator, in a similar structure to the office of the Chief Scientist.

With innovation being a necessity for a strong digital future and the flow on economic benefits, the ACS is pleased to see the report advocating strongly for an increased recognition of innovation.

The ACS further welcomes the recommendations surrounding STEM education. With the evolution of the economy, digital and STEM skills will become increasingly valuable in the workforce. The ACS has long advocated for an increased focus on STEM education, specifically in the digital space, and will seek to work with the Office of the Chief Scientist and other relevant stakeholders to better equip Australia's next generation of highly skilled digital innovators.

The ACS submission to the Inquiry into Australia's Innovation System is available here

Further information

Thomas Shanahan, Australian Computer Society, 0449 902 130

About the Australian Computer Society

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Over 20,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. The Society exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. The ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.