Innovation & Technology

Purpose

The role of the Innovation and Technology Division is to advise and implement the Victorian Government’s innovation and information and communication technology policies, initiatives and programs.

Innovation and Technology works closely with educational and research institutes, as well as the wider business community, to transform good ideas into thriving industries and rewarding jobs.

Through supporting research, innovation and commercialisation, we strive to meet emerging challenges while seizing new opportunities.

Central to this is embracing new, emerging and transformative technologies that will ensure sustainable and enduring economic growth for all Victorians.

Innovation and Technology is primarily responsible for

creating an environment in Victoria that supports research, innovation and commercialisation
supporting sector engagement and investment attraction in technology industries
identifying and prioritising the Department's focus on the technology industries for tomorrow
helping the Victorian economy to capture economic growth through innovation and the development and advanced use of new, emerging and transformative technologies
developing strategies for emerging technologies
supporting longer term major strategic precinct development
supporting and advocating research in higher education to enhance Victoria’s innovation capabilities.

Our structure

The Deputy Secretary of Innovation and Technology reports to the Secretary and primarily supports the Minister for Innovation and the Minister for Information and Communication Technology.

Innovation and Technology consists of five Branches:

Science and Technology Policy

Science and Technology Policy focus on developing policies aimed at establishing Victoria as a key global location in all aspects of innovation, including technology, science, research and commercialisation policy.

A key focus for this branch is the digital economy, including next generation broadband infrastructure and applications and collaborative research initiatives.

Science and Technology Programs

Science and Technology Programs focus on science policy, including biotechnology and medical research, and the implementation of related life sciences programs. This branch is also responsible for the development and delivery of broad based science and technology programs. Science and Technology Programs aim to capture opportunities emerging from new technologies, such as nanotechnology, while strengthening Victoria's capabilities to translate research into commercial innovations.

Innovation and Technology Capabilities

Innovation and Technology Capabilities focuses on the development and implementation of policy and programs designed to enhance the innovation and technology capabilities available to Victorian industry. This includes specific technology industry projects through to broader workforce development, innovation and community, design and commercialisation programs. This branch also has responsibility for screen industry policy.

Technology Industries

Technology Industries focus on investment attraction and business development support for industries associated with innovation and technology. This branch works closely with the Industry and Trade division to attract and grow businesses in technology sectors including biotechnology, information and communications and related emerging industries.

Information Victoria

Information Victoria is the primary public entry point to the Victorian Government. This branch focuses on strategies, methodologies and tools to make the Victorian Governments information and services easily accessible and more convenient for all Victorians.