
Welcome to another electrifying episode of ThunderCast. Chris McGowan sits down with tech visionaries Anthony Perera (CDAO at La Trobe University) and Mal Wanstall (VP Data & AI at Cochlear) to talk about one of the most puzzling questions: Why does Australia lag in innovation?
They also explore the impact of cultural and political factors and the role of data and AI in driving future growth.
This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders and innovators looking to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in Australia's tech ecosystem.
Listen to learn more about:
1. The Innovation Dilemma in Australia
- Why does Australia struggle with innovation on a broad scale?
- The impact of a duopolistic market on competition and innovation.
- How political and immigration policies influence the innovation landscape.
2. Cultural Barriers to Innovation
- The risk-averse nature of Australian culture and its impact on business.
- Comparisons with more innovation-driven cultures around the world.
- The challenge of fostering a climate conducive to innovation in a comfortable society.
3. Data and AI in Innovation
- The current state and future potential of AI in driving innovation.
- Why AI returns might not be immediate but are essential for long-term growth.
- The dual role of data as both an enabler and a barrier to innovation.
4. The Role of Discomfort in Innovation
- How discomfort and risk are essential drivers of innovation.
- The importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks in tech development.
- Personal anecdotes on risk-taking and innovation from Anthony and Mal.
5. Future of Tech Leadership
- The evolving role of data in leadership and decision-making.
- Why future CEOs might need a strong background in data.
- The importance of data literacy across all organisational levels.
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