The global technology revolution and the chemical industry: an Australian perspective

The chemical industry plays an important part in modern economies and in national innovation systems both in its own right and as a source of technology inputs to other industries. We are witnessing, at present, the transformation of the industry worldwide, as we move to a molecular-based understanding of materials, biology and the environment. We suggest that there are three tiers in the industry for which governments and public research institutes need to develop different strategies if they wish to assist the development of the industry in their countries. The paper discusses the experience of the Australian chemical industry in adjusting to the new global environment. We use case studies of three Australian companies to illustrate different approaches.