Australians doubt home grown inventions
The Hills hoist, wine casks and the bionic ear are all Australian inventions, but it appears the glory days of innovation are behind us, according to a new survey.
New research by consultancy group The Leading Edge shows most Australians do not believe Australia is inventing anything of note any more.
According to The Leading Edge Trends Index survey of 1,234 people aged between 18 and 64, 70 per cent of Australians don't think the country is a world leader in inventing new products and services.
The report says a deluge of new products hits our shelves every day, but it takes something really different to stand out and these days consumers take new packaging and flavours for granted.
When it came to naming a brand or service they thought innovative, those surveyed said technology, IT and electronics topped the list.
All were overseas brands like Apple, Sony, LG, Samsung, Nokia and Panasonic.
The Leading Edge's branding and innovation consultant Virginia Proud said one of the most interesting insights to come out of the Trends Index was that Australians were more than willing to give new products a go.
She said 71 per cent of respondents claimed they liked to try new products and services.
"This is a huge challenge for Australian businesses," Ms Proud said.
"We have nearly three quarters of the population willing to try new products and very few companies delivering anything exciting or memorable.
"Unfortunately, a lot of companies still believe innovation is a brainstorming session and a room full of flip charts, and then wonder where the big ideas are, or why their ideas can't be commercialised."
Ms Proud said the challenge for businesses that needed breakthrough innovation was building a sustainable program, with a focused strategic agenda in a business and marketplace context.
"The good news for Australian businesses is the knowledge that consumer interest exists," Ms Proud said.
"For those willing to give innovation the focus it requires, the rewards are there to be reaped."
Source: http://news.theage.com.au/national/