Welcome to another electrifying episode of ThunderCast. Chris McGowan sits down with tech visionaries Anthony Perera (CDAO at La Trobe University) and Mal Wanstall (VP Data & AI at Cochlear) to talk about one of the most puzzling questions: Why does Australia lag in innovation?  

They also explore the impact of cultural and political factors and the role of data and AI in driving future growth.  

This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders and innovators looking to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in Australia's tech ecosystem. 

Listen to learn more about: 

1. The Innovation Dilemma in Australia 

- Why does Australia struggle with innovation on a broad scale? 

- The impact of a duopolistic market on competition and innovation. 

- How political and immigration policies influence the innovation landscape. 

2. Cultural Barriers to Innovation 

- The risk-averse nature of Australian culture and its impact on business. 

- Comparisons with more innovation-driven cultures around the world. 

- The challenge of fostering a climate conducive to innovation in a comfortable society. 

3. Data and AI in Innovation 

- The current state and future potential of AI in driving innovation. 

- Why AI returns might not be immediate but are essential for long-term growth. 

- The dual role of data as both an enabler and a barrier to innovation. 

4. The Role of Discomfort in Innovation 

- How discomfort and risk are essential drivers of innovation. 

- The importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks in tech development. 

- Personal anecdotes on risk-taking and innovation from Anthony and Mal. 

5. Future of Tech Leadership 

- The evolving role of data in leadership and decision-making. 

- Why future CEOs might need a strong background in data. 

- The importance of data literacy across all organisational levels. 

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