Local participation urged for WA Innovation Summit

Thursday, 21 July 2016

• Proceedings to be streamed live through the Westlink network and online
• Interactive links between remote users and attendees a first for WA
• $20m additional innovation commitment targets investment and job creation 

Innovation Minister Bill Marmion today invited 'virtual attendees' from across the State and around the world to participate in next week's inaugural Western Australia Innovation Summit.

"Innovation in its many forms impacts everyone, so it's only fitting for West Australians to have the opportunity to tune in, contribute and debate the future directions of innovation across our State," Mr Marmion said.

"About 250 people will be attending the summit in person, with expressions of interest exceeding expectations.  However, anyone who wants to participate is encouraged to attend regional Westlink centres or watch online, with the capacity to send questions and comments via SMS and Twitter."

The summit is the foundation event for the State Innovation Strategy, following the Liberal National Government's allocation of an additional $20 million in the 2016-17 Budget to position WA as a regional and global innovation centre.

"This is on top of $30 million we are already investing in defence industries, shipbuilding and science, and does not include the tens of millions being spent in health research such as at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, the Telethon Kids Institute and the Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute," the Minister said.

"From digital technology to digging up minerals, the summit is about encouraging new ideas and mapping out the best ways to maximise business opportunities.

"We will be concentrating on four themes: investment, marketing, collaboration and retaining WA's homegrown and often prodigious talent for the benefit of all West Australians."

Summit outcomes will provide a framework for the five-year State Innovation Strategy.

"This forum will bring together business, community and government, to help design our innovation blueprint," Mr Marmion said.

"The bottom line is more jobs, through commercialising concepts and growing WA's creative culture."

Fact File

• The summit will be held on July 28, 2016 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, with program and internet streaming details available at http://gcio.wa.gov.au  
• Details on regional Community Resource Centres with Westlink are available here, and those with Westlink Satellite TV can tune in via Channel 602, from 8am to 10.45am on Thursday (July 28)
• Join the conversation on twitter via #wainnovation or @ogcio_wa
• The Government's innovation agenda is managed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer