Monash V-C: Without successful research-intensive universities, the mechanisms of government and business will function poorly, if at all. (August 13, 2010)

Professor Edward Byrne is vice-chancellor and president of Monash University. An edited extract of a speech he delivered last night in Melbourne appears in today's issue of The Age.

Herewith  some excerpts:

Anybody who cares about the future of our nation must also take an active interest in the future of our universities. Universities provide services that underpin the proper functioning of government, of industry, of media and of a range of community organisations. Without successful research-intensive universities, the mechanisms of government and business will function poorly, if at all.

Universities train young people who go on to leadership positions in politics, business, media and the arts. University research is a major driver in lowering the road toll, developing alternative energy sources, guiding legal and administrative reform, improving product design and delivering improvements across the whole gamut of our lives.

Beyond the economic benefit that individuals enjoy as a result of higher education is the ability to follow their dreams and make a difference. Of the last 10 Australians of the Year, for example, six have completed PhDs.

[F]ull implementation of reforms recommended by the government's Bradley review would deliver an increase in GDP from higher education reform of $13 billion in 2014, rising to $36 billion by 2020 and $163 billion in 2040.

For higher education to continue to rank as a non-issue would be a great danger for the health of our city, our state and our nation.

To achieve a smart Australia, we need to develop our own people, but we would be mad to bar the door to great minds and great ideas from elsewhere. In the US, universities have for generations acted as magnets for the best and brightest from around the world. This is one of the most important reasons for US success in the 20^th century. The most creative, inspiring and valuable thinkers are also the most mobile, and they will not go where they are not welcome.

To develop a smart Australia, we need great people, and this is what great universities deliver... the future of Australia's universities is the business of all of us.