Dr. David Martin has been scheduled to speak at the Australia 21 Conference on “Abundant Creativity and The Global Innovation Commons”. The April 2011 conference will be on Innovation- Driving Resilient Energy and Economic Futures.

Below is the Media Release from Australia 21.

New energy technologies will play a substantial role in both the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. Australia21 therefore welcomes the newly released Garnaut discussion paper, Low emissions technologies and the innovation challenge. The paper outlines the challenges in identifying the best conditions for innovation to assist in Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Prof Richard Hames, in commenting on the focus of the Garnaut paper noted that an ‘innovation systems view provides a much more comprehensive picture of the drivers of the rate and direction of innovation, and of the impediments that can prevent successful innovation’.

He went onto to say that, ‘we need fresh thinking, new business models, wiser leadership and continuous strategic innovation if we are to design and enact a low-carbon economy. The end point is not to undo industry but, on the contrary, to reinvent it as a viable force for sustainable living that comprises efficient practices and zero waste’.

Australia21 is hosting a national conference examining energy and economic futures through a resilience and innovation lens. The conference discussion will help shape the way we as a nation prepare for a climate change future. Some of the conference topics include: Investing in innovation for the development of low-carbon technologies; Developing prosperity-generating, low-carbon futures for Australia; Understanding how innovation can liberate new possibilities in the production and use of energy to diminish the impact of climate change.

Prof Hames emphasised that, ‘the real challenge and opportunity offered by climate change is for Australia to evolve as a global leader in resource and energy innovation’.

The conference discussions will assist in showcasing how Australia can utilize the test of climate change, to grow its broader innovation capability. The one day conference and dinner will take place on 14 April 2011, in the Copland Theatre and Great Hall at The Australian National University.

More information – http://www.australia21.org.au/conference_April_2011.html

Prof Richard Hames – President, Australia21 – m) 0419 851 523

Dr Lynne Reeder – Executive Director, Australia21 – m) 0431 608 958 w) 02 6288 0823