Australia's future depends on a strong science and maths capability and risks being left behind unless it develops a strategic approach to improvement in the subjects.
That's the message from Chief Scientist Ian Chubb to politicians and policy makers.
Professor Chubb launched a discussion paper about taking a strategic approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on Wednesday.
He says Australia has to work to secure a bright future.
"There is no entitlement to a particular future," he told the National Press Club in Canberra.
"There will be no free ride on the back of the accomplishments of the rest of the world or on the back of our own resources.
"We need to act."
By 2025, all Australians should understand and value the science used in everyday life and accept that STEM is central to solving society's challenges, he said.
Australia should have a qualified and diverse STEM workforce linked with research and innovation sectors.
Prof Chubb's paper identifies four main areas to improve Australia's approach to achieve this.
Our education system needs to better prepare students for a world bound to STEM work; government-funded research must lead to a continuous flow of new ideas; there need to be greater links between business and researchers; and alliances must be built with other countries.
After discussion, Prof Chubb intends to issue his paper to the government later in the year in the hope they will act on it.
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