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The Australian
Industrial Research Group was founded in 1964. Its objectives
were clearly set out from the beginning. These were,
- to improve
the quality of research management in Australia, and,
- to stimulate
and develop an understanding of research as a force
in economic, industrial and social activities.
During
the 1970's, AIRG initiated the formation of the Australian
Academy of Technological Science and Engineering, which
was based on the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering
Sciences.
Since 1967
AIRG formed links with kindred organisations operating
in other countries, such as the Industrial Research
Institute (IRI) of the US, EIRMA (Europe), JATES (Japan),
KITA (Korea), AIRI (Italy), ANPEI (Sth. America). These
are maintained via regular contacts and visits by members
to their conferences.
MISSION
AIRG revised
its Strategic Plan in 1993 and set out its Mission Statement
as,
"to enhance
the effectiveness of industrial research."
The principal
objective of AIRG is to be a well-recognised peak body
representing science-based innovation and technological
development in Australian business. The group aims to,
- effectively
represent its membership on key policies
affecting them.
- provide
regular meetings where members are exposed to issues
of importance to their roles.
- provide
a range of networking opportunities on issues relevant to their roles.
- provide
development opportunities for members and their high
potential staff.
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STRUCTURE
AIRG is
divided into two geographic divisions:
- Northern
Division, comprising New South Wales, Queensland,
the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital
Territory,
- Southern
Division comprising Victoria, South Australia, Western
Australia and Tasmania.
The Executive
of the AIRG comprises a President, Immediate Past President,
Northern Division Chairperson, Southern Division
Chairperson,
Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, Program Coordinator,
Government Representative and the Chief Executive Officer.
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MEETINGS
The AIRG
Annual Conference is held in February each year over
two days, normally alternating between Sydney and Melbourne.
The other national meeting is held in Canberra during
August. Divisional meetings are held in Sydney and
Melbourne, generally on a quarterly basis as evening
meetings based around dinner and a speaker on a topic of
interest to AIRG members.
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership
is available to those companies or organisations demonstrating
a clear business intent which are engaged in science-based
innovation or R&D . It is on a company basis and each
company can have two members as its Company Representatives.
These representatives should be the senior people responsible
for science-based innovation or R&D within that business.
Both representatives have full voting and other rights
within the organisation.
Affiliate
Membership is also available to representatives from
public research agencies, universities and service
groups with interests in science and innovation.
Associate
Memberships are available to those previous AIRG members
who have left a full-time role in business, to either
retire or develop consulting activities with a significant
industry focus, and who wish to retain contact with
AIRG.
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