Michael Schwager
Michael Schwager
IP Australia Director General
As Director General since 2018, Michael has led IP Australia on a customer-focused, digital-first strategy. As well as seeing unprecedented growth in IP rights during the pandemic, IP Australia has been a test bed of public sector innovation and digital transformation.
Prior to his appointment, Michael spent three years as Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.? He also spent time as acting Chief Operating Officer at CSIRO.
Prior to his appointment, Michael spent three years as Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.? He also spent time as acting Chief Operating Officer at CSIRO.
Related Sessions
Australia's Next Giant Leap
THU, OCT 19, 3:30 PM
Conference
Australians have a talent for ingenuity and creative thinking. From ancient times, Australians have used the materials around them to develop unique and practical tools to help them live and prosper. Among the huge variety of Australian inventions are the boomerang, cochlear implants, polymer banknotes, wi-fi technology and off course, the mighty hills hoist.
The lucky country; a land of economic opportunity and bountiful natural resources. A young, multicultural and open country with an ever-growing economy has avoided recessions like no other, has been a destination for tertiary education and built some of the world’s newest technology unicorns.
As Australia has the pandemic in its rear-view mirror, it’s a good time to assess where is Australia going. National and Global challenges have anything but diminished and what got us here, won’t get us there.
Has the mineral boom ended? Will our universities lead the way and continue to attract students? Is our growing service economy going to change anything? Will the Australian market ever be big enough for companies to grow here? What opportunities will the metaverse, blockchain and NFTs provide Australian businesses? Is Australia really the best place to live?
Where is Australia’s next giant leap?