Australia’s Built Environment Industry Innovation Council (BEIIC) was established in September 2008. BEIIC acts as an advisory body to the Minister and as an innovation advocate for the Australian industry. The Council considers industry innovation challenges like climate change, sustainability and industry competitiveness as well as issues such as regulatory reform, workforce capability, skills needs and uptake new technologies.
In this role BEIIC communicates the Government's innovation policies and
goals, builds relationships and linkages with the Enterprise Connect Network,
peak industry bodies and other stakeholders.
www.innovation.gov.au/beiic
Upon invitation I participated at a one day BEIIC workshop in Canberra
in late April. It was a unique opportunity for me join other industry representatives
to work with Council members to develop an Innovation Framework for each of six
key elements of the built environment: Green Buildings (Commercial),
Procurement, Tools and Technology, Skills, Residential Refit and Materials and
Products. 
In a way the workshop was a ‘politics meets built environment’ mix and match
to allow both sides to share their perspectives and increase common
understanding on how to foster innovation in the building sector. The day was
hosted by Sue Holliday, Chair of BEIIC and the first half had members of each
of the six key areas debate innovation at ‘their’ table, to then shake things
up and regroup into mixed teams in the afternoon.
From my perspective it was interesting to learn how many of our efforts
on the ‘doer’ side need to be complemented by ‘enablers’ who lobby with
government and advance our cause through political discourse.
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