Thank you Chair of the Day, Gerry Johnston: "David gave a brief summary of some successful CSIRO projects:
He referred to the $120 million royalties received from the invention of wi-fi by CSIRO scientists. While Australian scientists were excellent at basic research, as a country we've fallen short on commercialisation. CSIRO wants to do research that will 'make a difference'.
In addressing the topic "Can science and technology save Australia from a future decline", David referred to the potential importance of manufacturing, citing particularly that of elaborately transformed products, and of continuing research on Australia's major exports of coal, minerals and agriculture.
Collaboration with scientists from other countries is important, particularly from China, as the Chinese government is spending massively on research." Thanks Gerry.
