Background
The Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council (FMIIC) is one of a number of Industry Innovation Councils established by the Australian Government. The FMIIC's focus is on innovation-intensive, high technology, high value-add, high-skill manufacturing, and its primary role is to advise the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science, and Research. The FMIIC is also championing innovation in manufacturing and helping build connections between government and industry stakeholders.
As will be seen from the 
FMIIC Fact Sheet (160 KB), the Council's particular focus is manufacturers using advanced processes, materials and technologies. These include the scientific and medical instruments, specialist engineering and aerospace industries, and related services.
Membership
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science, and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr established the FMIIC in October 2008, and appointed Mr Philip Binns, Managing Director of Varian Australia Pty Ltd, as its Chair.
The FMIIC members (51.0 KB) include leaders in innovation from business, the science and research communities, unions, professional associations and the Australian Government.
Members of the FMIIC at its first meeting on 2 December 2008
The FMIIC first met at Parliament House on 2 December 2008, and has held six meetings. The most recent was in February 2010.
Priorities
Priorities for the FMIIC during 2009-10 include:
- Maximising Australian manufacturing industry participation in sustainable energy, water and health.
- Contributing to the establishment of the Government’s Commercialisation Australia initiative.
- Securing positive exposure for innovative manufacturing in Australia.
Achievements
The FMIIC’s achievements to date include:
- Preparation of a
Strategic Roadmap (146 KB) to guide the future direction of the FMIIC
- Developing, with the Australian Institute for Commercialisation, an innovation quiz (523 KB) to stimulate interest in innovation across Australia.
- Commissioning reports outlining Australian Future Manufacturing, and exploring potential manufacturing opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Innovation profiles
Innovation Profiles are real stories of innovation in industry in Australia. Twenty five members of the industry innovation councils, including six from the FMIIC, share their views and experiences as innovation leaders on-line in web, video and print formats.
Contacts
Secretariat support to the FMIIC is provided by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Contact details are:
Email: Futuremanufacturing@innovation.gov.au
Website: http://www.innovation.gov.au/FMIIC
Phone: (02) 6213 7787
Postal address:
Manager, Future Manufacturing Section
Manufacturing Division
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601