‘Innovation policy is economic policy’. Dr Terry Cutler, author of the controversial ‘Cutler Report’, is interviewed by Fintan Walton in this special edition of ‘PharmaVentures Business Review’ filmed in Melbourne at AusBiotech 2008. Following a discussion of the aims of the report Fintan focuses in on the effect the report will have on Australian biotech and gives voice to the many criticisms the industry has of the recommendations. Terry Cutler addresses these criticisms and talks about what the government can do to help such a unique sector within industrial innovation on a national and international level.

Terry Cutler
Author
The Cutler Report

Dr Terry Cutler is an industry consultant and strategy advisor in the information and communications technology sector. He has authored numerous influential reports and papers on the Digital Economy and innovation, including the recent National Innovation Review (The Cutler Report), which was released on 13 September 2008 by the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr.

Terry Cutler has had a longstanding engagement with public policy. He has served on numerous Government Boards and advisory bodies. Apart from his present appointments, from 1996 to 1997 he was Chairman of Australia's Information Policy Advisory Council and Chairman of the Industry Research and Development Board from 1996 to 1998.

Currently Dr Cutler holds the following several appointments including Director of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Member of International Advisory Panel, Multimedia Supercorridor (Malaysia), Director MSC Technology Centre Snd. Bhd.,Malaysia, Director Multimedia University (Universiti Telekom Sdn. Bhd.), Malaysia and Chairman Advisory Board, Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation.

The Cutler Report, entitled ‘Venturous Australia’, examines the Australian innovation system and recommends some major, but not necessarily fundamental, changes to the way Australia does R&D. It was undertaken by the newly elected Australian Labour government to address a need for a new focus around innovation and industry policy.

Cutler & Co.

Cutler & Company is a Melbourne-based firm that provides specialist consulting advice, counsel and practical support in several areas including market evaluation, strategic planning and business development, strategic management, issues audits and stakeholder relations, and government relations, policy development and regulatory support to a wide range of organisations, both in Australia and overseas, in the converging communications and media markets.