Episode Summary:
Dr Sarah Pearson has a wealth of experience from a wide variety of roles within the science, technology and startup sector. Previously Global Head of Open Innovation at Cadbury, founding CEO of the Canberra Innovation Network, Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Scientist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Sarah is currently on the investment committee for Main Sequence Ventures, a Director of RACQ and a Paul Ramsay Foundation Fellow. Sarah was awarded a PhD in particle physics from the University of Oxford, and has published research in the areas of particle physics, medical physics, artificial intelligence, innovation, science communication and science policy, and is an author on eight patents covering cancer diagnosis and confectionary. In her conversation with guest host Will Tjo, she discusses the importance of both cooperation and competition within the startup world, and what she sees as potential changes to the way Australian government is structured that could help foster innovation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Day One Podcast
00:29 Meet Sarah Pearson
00:41 Sarah's Experience in Innovation
01:05 Early Involvement in Startups and Innovation
02:03 Transition from Particle Physics to Innovation
03:04 Using Innovation for Social Impact
03:52 Understanding the Meaning of Innovation
04:49 The Role of Startups in Innovation
06:05 Development of the Innovation Ecosystem in Australia
07:50 The Impact of Government Policy on Innovation
09:11 Current State of the Innovation Ecosystem in Australia
10:15 Collaboration vs. Competition in Innovation
12:59 The Role of Corporates in Supporting Innovation
14:55 Unique Strengths of the Australian Innovation Ecosystem
18:04 Supporting the Ecosystem: Roles of Entrepreneurs and Investors
20:18 Unpopular Opinions on Innovation
22:26 The Role of Government in Innovation
24:11 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
29:09 Closing Thoughts on Inclusivity in the Ecosystem
30:59 Sarah's Upcoming Projects
32:26 Conclusion of the Interview