Two Australian states have launched education and research industry bodies to build their knowledge sectors internationally.
New South Wales’ International Education and Research Industry Taskforce is headed by finance and legal expert Philip Clark, who also chairs the advisory board for the federal government’s Education Investment Fund.
The taskforce includes NSW chief scientist Mary O’Kane; Gerard Sutton, the outgoing University of Wollongong vice-chancellor; the heads or deputies of four peak bodies and four private education organisations; and government department representatives.
The taskforce will be charged with developing a 10-year industry action plan for the education and research sector.
Its remit will include attracting overseas students, developing online and offshore education, and encouraging international partners to invest and locate in education and research precincts in NSW.
The Study Queensland Industry Council, established earlier in November, will be led by Bill Lovegrove, the outgoing University of Southern Queensland vice-chancellor.
Its goal will be to help international education and training providers forge strategic partnerships.
Among Queensland’s eight-man council are three vice-chancellors and deputies, and representatives from three state government departments.
Both taskforces have been criticised by the media for being dominated by education and research professionals.