Data#3 MD to lead ITIIC panel

Approximately 23 people will be drawn from across the industry, professional associations and employee organisations, research and government.

John Grant, managing director of Data#3 will serve as chair and the council will act as an advisory body to the Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research both in innovation within the sector and IT's potential to foster innovation across the economy.

 "I think it's a great privilege to be a part of the council. Clearly there is a lot happening at the moment, the global financial crisis, the record stimulus package and the Federal Government's $43 billion NBN initiative," said Grant.

"These are significant times for the council and we are setting the scene for the future in Australia. It's important that we get representatives from each of the sectors we are going to influence."

He said the chosen panel will recognise the role IT plays across all sectors of the Australian economy and its potential to enable innovation which can transform existing industries, create new ones, enhance competitiveness, assist with solutions to environmental problems and enhance social inclusion. 

It will take leadership in building bridges with the IT sector's stakeholders and the Government's innovation policies and programs including the Enterprise Connect network.

It will also play an advocacy role and champion innovation cross-cutting issues with other Industry Innovation Councils established by the Minister.

As well as working for Data#3, Grant is chairman of the Australian Information Industry Association. He will create a date for the first meeting of the council after consulting with its members.

The Government is establishing a number of Industry Innovation Councils;

These include; the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council, Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council, Automotive Industry Innovation Council and the  Information Technology Industry Innovation Council

Membership will draw on the knowledge and expertise of  innovation leaders from business, unions and professional organisations, science and  research agencies, and government (Commonwealth, state and territory).

The Councils will provide strategic advice on innovation priorities to Senator Carr as well as champion innovation in industry and build connections with other organisations including  Enterprise Connect's network of manufacturing and innovation centres.