Australia 2023- rich, stubborn and still stuck in the industrial era?

Australian attitudes and a vote on a specific constitutional change have been brought into the spotlight through the weekend's referendum and the people have spoken. However the word is out - and it was a resounding “no”.

I am pondering a potential correlation between the referendum result and aussie attitudes to innovation and change more broadly.? My amateur (non research based anthropological) observation from the weekend data generated actually mirrors my own personal cultural observations around a cleverly disguised and stubborn resistance to new ideas and innovation more broadly that I have felt throughout my time working with early stage founders and innovators across Australia. We are not yet ready to embrace the information age… moreover we are wedded to the status quo developed through the industrial era and doing everything we can to actively resist new ways as ‘fear of the unknown’ dominates the narrative, attitudes and actions.

It is my assertion that Australia is at a crossroads. The recent referendum results and data suggest that Australians are divided on their attitudes to change. On the one hand, we are a country that is known for its laid-back and easygoing culture. On the other hand, we are also a country that is facing a number of challenges, such as the rise of new technologies and the disruption of traditional industries and yet we appear to be asleep at the wheel!! ?“that the Australian economy has “not yet started the traditional process of structural transformation”, in which resources are reallocated from low productivity sectors towards high productivity sectors like electronics and machinery manufacturing.

In order to remain competitive in the global economy, Australia needs to become a more established leader in the innovation driven information age. This means embracing change and adapting to new ways of working. But are Australians ready for this? I am trying to gauge whether others feel recent referendum results could be reflective of attitudes and cultural norms to embracing or resisting innovation and change more broadly? Can Australia maintain its "lucky country" status if we get left behind in the information age?

So, how are Australians responding to change? There are a variety of responses. Some Australians are embracing new technologies and opportunities. For example, many Australian businesses are investing in new technologies to improve their productivity and competitiveness. Other Australians are feeling anxious about the future and the potential impacts of change. For example, some workers are concerned about being replaced by machines.

Australian attitudes to change will have a significant impact on the country's future. If Australians are willing to embrace change and adapt to new ways of working, then Australia is well-positioned to become a leader in the innovation driven information revolution. However, if Australians are resistant to change, then Australia could fall behind other countries.

In order to become a more established leader in the innovation driven information revolution, Australia needs to embrace change. This means investing in new technologies, supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, and creating a culture that is open to new ideas. It also means helping people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the changing economy....

(Enter the Office for Innovation - more to follow....)