Australia's prosperity depends on the ability to generate, develop and apply new ideas and techniques within existing industries and to create new enterprises and new industries. At RMIT we believe we have an economic and a social contribution to make. The underlying theme of innovation is about risk taking and creativity. As universities we need to provide a learning space for people where they can be creative, take risks and foster new ideas. In this way we will work towards our responsibility of meeting the work and personal aspirations of the people who come to us.
Universities are part of the economic and social innovation infrastructure.
We provide skills for jobs. We provide confidence for personal growth. For a number of years we have been asked to provide work ready graduates with specialised skills. Increasingly we are being asked to supply work ready graduates with generic skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication skills and entrepreneurial skills. I believe that one of the most important things we need to give our students is a love of learning, a desire to continue learning and a repertoire of skills to enable them to continue learning.