The Premier and the Ministers have already outlined the impact of changes in technology upon education and the outcomes of education. Innovation is increasingly seen as the source of future productivity growth in developed economies and knowledge as the basis of wealth creation. Access to knowledge and the capacity to innovate will increasingly be the basis of differentiation of whole economies and societies, organisations and individuals. This is not just about technology although technological development provides the basis for much innovation. It applies not only in the ITC areas but also in traditional industries like manufacturing and in the services sector.
Education is a critical part of the infrastructure for the knowledge economy.
We need to change our mindset to see education as an investment rather than a cost. The ability to generate and develop new ideas, commercialise and exchange technology relies on a workforce that is highly educated, able to quickly learn new skills and enthusiastically pursue new ideas. In this it reflected the views of many sectors within Australia - the business community, the educational sector, individual citizens and many community groups around Australia. While the report acknowledges the strong base from which Australia starts, it was concerned that investment in education be maintained and increased. On some crucial indicators Australia performance is dropping.