Peter Rossdeutscher appointed as new Chair of Industry Innovation and Science Australia

The Perth-based Chair of Quantum Australia, Innovative Energy Solutions and First Nations X, Peter Rossdeutscher, has added Chair of Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA) to his duties, replacing Andrew Stevens in the role.

According to a statement from industry minister Ed Husic on Monday, Rossdeutscher brings extensive board experience and expertise in the nation’s innovation ecosystem, and has spent more than two decades working across sectors including quantum technology, mining, robotics, education and startups.

It also notes the new IISA head’s advocacy “for economic and social inclusion”, citing his co-chairing role at First Nations X, “a not-for profit organisation empowering Indigenous innovation and startups”.

“His track record leading start-ups and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs to scale-up their firms, something the IISA has identified as a key priority,” said industry minister Ed Husic on Monday.

“Given the need to strengthen business dynamism more broadly in our economy, having someone with Peter’s experience will prove to be especially valuable.  

“I also want to sincerely thank Andrew Stevens for six years of leadership and service. He leaves IISA in a strong place and I wish him all the best in the future.”  

IISA is an independent, statutory board, which — as its name suggests — advises the federal government on innovation, science and research.

Stevens recently announced completion of his role, marking the end of two three-year terms leading IISA.

In a post reflecting on the end of his term, Stevens offered that “Australia has a demand (for innovation) gap not a supply (of innovation) inputs gap. If I told you that less than 1 in 3 Australian businesses engage in any innovation activity and most don’t perceive the need to innovate, would you believe me? It’s true.”

Picture: credit minexcrc.com.au

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