WHAT THE REPORT SAYS

THE TASMANIAN INNOVATION NETWORK (TasNET)

THE NETWORK will connect STEM “nodes” in Burnie and Hobart with a central “Hobart Innovation Precinct Hub”. THE PROJECT has the potential to create more jobs for Tasmanians; drive innovation, generating

employment and growth; deliver investment in the regions; and improve regional productivity. THE HOBART INNOVATION PRECINCT:

THE HOBART Innovation Precinct precinct would bring together the IMAS building, the Medical Science 2 (Menzies) Centre, the

Creative Exchange Institute proposed for 2019 and a STEM centre in Melville St into a centralised education hub.

IT WOULD aim to revitalise the CBD, attract talent and research investment from overseas and interstate, open up education opportunities in regional areas; increase the number of Tasmanians graduating from university; increase the relevance of UTAS course offers; and increase links with industry.

THIS WOULD help drive research, innovations and “start-ups” and help “instil an entrepreneurial mindset in Tasmanians”. THE PROJECT and university could play a central role in arresting economic decline as “many

of Tasmania’s traditional industries are shrinking” and “Tasmania continues to perform poorly across national key indicators”. WHY IS IT NEEDED?

STEM subjects are among the most highly widely regarded in the world and something upon which an economy can be developed.

THE NEED comes at a time when Tasmania has the lowest proportion of people with a bachelor degree and the lowest average levels of scientific and mathematical literacy in the country. One in four people are below or very close to the poverty line and Tasmania has the lowest population growth.

UTAS says it can play a “central role in arresting this.”