The University of Technology Supporting Innovation in Small Firms

An analysis aimed at discovering the appropriate structures for innovation and combining them in a system which maximizes the innovative capacity of a country requires the adoption of a variety of perspectives. An approach focusing on universities of technology and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in contemporary Australia contributes another, inevitably partial view but provides a striking illustration of the complexity and variety of the interrelationships involved. The impact of recent federal government policies on industry and the role of universities is described in the context of a recent election campaign. Universities of technology are identified as particularly well suited to interaction with business and industry. This is exemplified with reference to Swinburne University of Technology Theoretical frameworks that accommodate the complex interactions are discussed. Finally, the absolute necessity of positive individual and group relationships for successful outcomes is highlighted.