Long-term, steady investment in higher education and research is vital if Australia is to keep pace with the rest of the world, a key representative of universities warns.
Universities Australia chairwoman Sandra Harding told the National Press Club on Wednesday there was a reluctance by many to acknowledge that the future would be different and it needed different national, business and industry investments.
"We are most definitely not `done'," Professor Harding said.
"Our economy is changing, it is developing and we must both recognise and embrace the changes, or at the very least stop being surprised by them."
For example, she said, just because Australia has had a car manufacturing industry for 66 years doesn't, and shouldn't mean, it must always have one.
The world is moving into an era where high skill levels, innovation and transition to the digital age are most important.
Everyone recognised the importance of higher education to Australia's economy, but that rhetoric didn't translate into long-term investment.
Prof Harding reiterated calls for more funding of universities and research, including more support for early and mid-career researchers and the commitment beyond July 2014 to international research collaboration.
But just like the economy needed to change, universities also needed to keep developing.
"Just like governments, business and industry, we have to operate on ourselves with vigour and with the longer term in mind," she said.
"We must not be afraid to examine areas where universities do not necessarily agree. We must not be afraid to explore controversial ideas."
Prof Harding announced a new partnership between Universities Australia and peak business groups to make sure students get more hands-on experience.
This would benefit both employers and students and ultimately let innovation thrive and the economy grow, she said.
