On behalf of the entire Australian Eidos Institute network, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the Eidos International Public Policy Congress 2012.

This collaborative event represents the peak of a continually evolving and engaging series of discussions facilitated by the Eidos Institute between South African and Australian researchers, public policy and political leaders, and corporate and civil society industry partners. As a strong supporter of open democracy and research driven approaches to policy and political practice throughout the globe, this deep engagement process represents, for Eidos Institute, the opportunity to globally translate our vision for informed social and economic growth and change.

South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy [HRD-SA] Ref 1 highlights the mismatch in the supply and demand of skills in the labour market that is causing a barrier to the nation’s social and economic development. In Australia, workforce participation is improving but productivity is described as being “stagnant” Ref 2. Universities have been identified as having enormous potential to ensuring significant national growth and development, but this approach needs to be complemented with additional strategies such as comprehensive cross-sectorial innovation and leadership in partnership with corporate and government entities.

In response to this dual need for increased national productivity, the theme for the 2012 congress is: “PRODUCTIVE NATIONS, INVESTING IN PEOPLE”.

Eidos, as a research and policy network, continues to evolve and grow. The congress welcomes members from Education, Government, Business and Civil Society in this gathering of strong cross-national partnerships as a step forward in a synthesized approach to key global challenges and major areas for collective change. We feel honoured to be presented with the opportunity to introduce you to the work and shared vision of our member universities and extended network as we continue to work towards implementing our vision for an inclusive, collaborative society.

^{Ref 1} Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa (HRD-SA) t2010 – 2030
^{Ref 2} A Productive Country - The contribution of Australian universities to national productivity

Australia and South Africa

Australia and South Africa share the value of education as a powerful tool in promoting democracy and empowering citizens to attain a better quality of life. A common commitment to academic and research excellence; and a dedication to innovative thinking and learning characterizes the spirit of progress and determination in both countries.

Nelson Mandela stated that Education is ‘the most powerful weapon’ which can be used to change the world.

This sentiment is shared throughout South Africa and Australia as governments, universities and educational institutions, business and civil society is collaborating on an ever-expanding process to provide equitable education opportunities with a view to improving access to employment and thereby increasing the quality of life for all citizens.

How can the process of productivity through education be rapidly up-scaled to meet the challenges particular to South Africa and Australia?  Both nations can learn from one another on the sharing of ideas and lessons learnt in knowledge creation and related fields including technology, business, innovation and resource protection.

Eidos recognizes the multi-disciplinary and multi-layered nature of the educational empowerment challenge. The 2012 congress agenda reflects this overlap, as delegates will be invited to share in both the Working Groups topics of their selection; as well as being offered the opportunity to feedback thoughts and ideas on the other congress Working Groups outputs.

The unique differences and rich possibility for collaboration continue to inform educational engagement between South Africa and Australia. As our countries continue to strive to deepen cultural ties and cross-institutional relationships, we move ever closer to creating a shared global educational agenda informed by common ideals, commitment to excellence and a visionary approach to shared global challenges.