What is Cicada Innovations warning about the Future Made in Australia Act?

Cicada Innovations, through CEO Sally-Ann Williams, has warned that the Albanese government's Future Made in Australia Act risks failing unless Australia overcomes its "siloed" approach to innovation and collaboration. The organisation emphasises that breaking down departmental and sectoral barriers is essential for the policy's success and Australia's technological competitiveness.

Why is Third Hemisphere covering Cicada Innovations' statement on siloed thinking?

As a leading PR and communications agency in Sydney, Third Hemisphere reports on significant industry developments and policy commentary from key Australian tech stakeholders like Cicada Innovations. This story reflects broader conversations about innovation strategy and government policy that impact Australia's tech sector and future economic competitiveness.

What is the Tech23 festival and who organises it?

Tech23 is a major Australian technology festival organised by Cicada Innovations, a leading tech incubator. The festival brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and showcase technological advancement and innovation across Australia.

How can Third Hemisphere help technology companies communicate policy concerns?

Third Hemisphere, as a specialist PR and communications agency in Sydney, supports technology companies in articulating their positions on government policy, industry challenges, and strategic initiatives through media relations, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. The agency helps tech leaders like those at Cicada Innovations amplify their voices in public discourse.

What does "siloed thinking" mean in the context of Australian innovation policy?

Siloed thinking refers to when different government departments, industry sectors, or organisations operate independently without collaboration or information sharing. In the context of Australia's innovation strategy, this fragmentation can prevent the coordinated effort needed to successfully implement policies like the Future Made in Australia Act and compete globally in technology.

Who is Sally-Ann Williams and why does her perspective matter on Australian tech policy?

Sally-Ann Williams is the CEO of Cicada Innovations, a leading Australian tech incubator with significant influence in the innovation ecosystem. Her perspective matters because she leads an organisation actively involved in developing and nurturing tech talent, making her insights on policy barriers and collaboration critical for informed public discussion about Australia's technological future.

Siloed Thinking Threatens Albanese’s Vision

Cicada Innovations Warns Against Siloed Thinking in Australia

By Jeremy Liddle

Cicada Innovations, a leading Australian tech incubator and organiser of the Tech23 festival warns that the Albanese government’s Future Made in Australia Act may fail unless the country overcomes its “siloed” mindset. Sally-Ann Williams, Cicada’s CEO, emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach for start-ups to thrive, citing success stories like Tetratherix and Agscent, which have benefited from cross-industry collaboration.

Dr Sally Anne Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations

Williams stresses that achieving the goals of the Future Made in Australia Act requires breaking down barriers between different sectors and fostering a systemic approach to tackle global challenges. Main Sequence’s Elaine Stead also highlights the critical role of a supportive ecosystem in transforming scientific solutions into impactful companies.

Read the full article on The Australian for a deeper dive into how Cicada Innovations advocates for a broader, more integrated approach to innovation.

[Read the full story on The Australian]