SA technologists press for active industry plan

Sixty-six of South Australia’s leading technologists, scientists and engineers have tabled a technology and industry policy-based plan that will foster innovation, economic growth.

The plan, released in advance of the state election in 2022, highlights vital fields that will supercharge SA’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and power the state’s transition to a low-carbon future.

It fucoses on renewable energy and energy storage, digital transformation technologies, sustainable and carbon neutral agriculture, greater environmental and agricultural resilience, and world class STEM education.

Chair of the South Australian Division of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Emeritus Professor Graeme Dandy said: “The forthcoming state election in South Australia provides the opportunity to set a strong direction for the future of the state’s technological leadership.

“South Australia is in an enviable position to demonstrate what a net zero emissions transition looks like in practice.

“If the state government undertakes a comprehensive review of large-scale, base-load electricity storage and backup options to support increasing renewable wind and solar electricity generation, we can be at the front of the pack in the race for renewable energy and energy storage.”

Professor Dandy said SA also needed to support research and development in sustainable, carbon neutral agriculture and carbon sequestration that will facilitate their adaptation in a low-carbon future.

“South Australian businesses and sectors urgently need to adopt digital transformation technologies to super-charge economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to create new jobs.

“We also need invest in our future workforce and STEM leaders.

“This requires specialist education for all students throughout levels 1 to 12 and by including applied sciences, including engineering and computer programming, in our curriculum.”

professor Dandy said a STEM literate population would be crucial as we build a state that can lead the way in ensuring Australia does not become a technological laggard.

“National capabilities in information technologies and digital engineering will underpin growth in all Australian sectors”, said Professor Dandy.

The South Australian Division of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), will engage all parties in the lead up to the election for a frank discussion on how to power the states recovery from COVID-19 and leverage its comparative advantage as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse.

Picture: cityofadelaide.com.au

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