The outgoing Chairman of CSIRO, Professor Adrienne Clarke has called on Australia's governments to develop clearer and more consistent policies for industry if they are not to fall behind other countries of the Asia-Pacific region in attracting world investment in research and innovation.

Professor Clarke was presenting the prestigious Glaxo Wellcome Australia Medal and $20,000 research prize to Dr Michael Berndt from the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne this evening.

She said there was a need for Australia to present a coherent, clear and consistent policy environment so as to encourage investment in R&D.

"Other countries in our region have rightly recognised that intellectual capital is the driving force of the future and that to enhance their economies they must both build world-class R&D institutions and attract investment. They have very well thought-through plans, on a 15 year time frame, to achieve this.

"They are in fast catch-up mode to create world class R&D institutions with targeted recruitment and investment in equipment and facilities. As part of that strategy they offer very attractive incentives for companies to locate in their particular region, such as 10-year tax breaks, assistance with relocation expenses, etc. This applies not only to the pharmaceutical industry but also to other targeted industries such as biotechnology, environmental technology, information technology and electronics." Professor Clarke said.

"We are truly in competition for investment in technology-intensive activities in the Asian region", said Professor Clarke. "Investment in Australia such as that of companies like Glaxo Wellcome enhances the local pool of skilled workers, creates more high value jobs and attracts others to Australia as a hub of activity in the medical research field - the cycle of success rolls on".

Professor Clarke drew attention to a recent survey of the attitudes of chief executives of multinational companies on the question, "Why invest in Australia?" The survey concludes there is no formal policy for a specific industry or indeed for industry as a whole in Australia.

"If we want to attract our share of global capital and investment from the multinationals, we must win on the basis of presenting a coherent, clear and consistent industry policy which must include incentives competitive with those on offer from our neighbours.

"At the same time we must continue to provide world class intellectual capital for the industries of the future," Professor Clarke said.

Professor Clarke steps down as Chairman of the CSIRO Board at the end of her five year term on December 4, 1996. She will be succeeded by Mr Charles Allen, former Managing Director of Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

More information: Professor Adrienne Clarke, tel 03 9344 5568
Copies of the speech available from Julian Cribb, CSIRO, 06 2766244 or Nikki Capp, Glaxo Wellcome, 03 9721 6786