Innovation & Technology
Purpose
The Innovation and Technology Division’s role is to advise and implement the Victorian Government’s innovation and technology policies, initiatives and programs. The division also develops and implements policy and programs aimed to enhance innovation and technology capabilities available to Victorian industry to drive sustainable economic growth.Innovation and Technology works closely with educational and research institutes, as well as the wider business community. By supporting research, innovation and commercialisation and embracing new, emerging and transformative technologies, the division strives to meet emerging challenges while seizing new opportunities to create new knowledge and stimulate innovation..
Innovation and Technology is primarily responsible for:
- Creating an environment in Victoria that supports research, innovation and commercialisation
- Supporting sector engagement and investment attraction in technology industries
- Identifying and prioritising the Department's focus on the technology industries including information and communication technologies, biotechnology and small technologies (eg nanotechnology)
- Helping the Victorian economy to capture economic growth through innovation and the development and advanced use of new, emerging and transformative technologies
- Developing strategies for emerging technologies
- Supporting longer term major strategic precinct development
- Supporting and advocating research in higher education to enhance Victoria’s innovation capabilities.
Structure
These functions are delivered by four groups:- Science and Technology Policy
- Science and Technology Programs
- Innovation and Technology Capabilities, including Information Victoria
- Technology Industries
Science and Technology Programs focuses on science policy, including biotechnology and medical research, and the implementation of related life sciences programs. This branch is also responsible for the development and delivery of broad based science and technology programs. The branch aims to capture opportunities emerging from new technologies, such as nanotechnology, while strengthening Victoria's capabilities to translate research into commercial innovations.
Innovation and Technology Capabilities focuses on the development and implementation of policy and programs designed to enhance Victorian industry’s innovation and technology capabilities. This includes specific technology industry projects through to broader workforce development, innovation and community and design programs. This branch also has responsibility for screen industry policy and Information Victoria.
Information Victoria is the primary public entry point to the Victorian Government, focussing on strategies, methodologies and tools to make the Victorian Government’s information and services easily and conveniently accessible for all Victorians.
Technology Industries focuses on investment attraction and business development support for industries associated with innovation and technology. This branch works closely with the Trade and Industry Development division to attract and grow businesses in technology sectors including biotechnology, information and communications and related emerging industries.
