Invention to Innovation: How Scientists Can Drive Our Economy

Invention to Innovation charts a course for scientists, leaders, investors and policy makers to translate research into growing innovative, competitive companies and industries. With extensive experience and insights gained over three decades, Dr. Larry Marshall demonstrates how science can generate new value that grows markets and creates jobs while also delivering social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Through a combination of advice, examples, and vision, this thought-provoking work shows how Australia’s world-class science can navigate across the "Valley of Death" to become successful innovations and grow our economy. With contributions from leaders in business, research, venture, and scientists who have made the leap to become "scientist CEOs," Invention to Innovation is essential reading for anyone who believes Australia’s excellent science deserves a vibrant, globally competitive innovation ecosystem to ensure our sustainable and prosperous future.

Features:

• Real-world stories of the challenges, failures and successes of science and business leaders, as well as practical advice for aspiring scientist CEOs, deep-tech investors, policy makers and c-suite leaders.
• Teaches scientists how to turn their invention into a successful company.
• Demonstrates how science-driven companies and CEOs can grow a new economic pillar for Australia that’s more resilient in navigating increasing international disruption.
• Shows how collaboration with partners will help to realize Australia’s true global potential and secure our prosperity for generations to come.
• Celebrates the power of science and technology to drive positive change by solving the greatest challenges.
• Includes personal insights from Dr. Larry Marshall, as well as a rich and diverse collection of interviews, including deep-tech leaders like ResMed’s Peter Farrell, Cochlear’s Catherine Livingstone and Finisar’s Frank Levinson; industry leaders like Telstra Health's Mary Foley, Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest, Microsoft’s Steven Worrall and Hungry Jack’s Jack Cowin; deep-tech venture capitalists like Blackbird’s Niki Scevak, Main Sequence’s Phil Morle and Amalfi's Tristen Langley; former Australian Chief Scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Alan Finkel; and innovation experts like Lean LaunchPad’s Steve Blank and University of Technology Sydney’s Emeritus Professor Roy Green.

Dr. Larry Marshall was Chief Executive of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, from 2015 to 2023, and prior to this spent more than 25 years in Silicon Valley, founding, leading and investing venture capital in deep-tech companies. With a PhD in physics, 20 patents, six startups and two IPOs to his name, Larry is a passionate supporter of Australian innovation and the power of science and technology to drive our economy and build resilience to future challenges.

Jenna Daroczy believes that well-chosen words and stories can inspire change. She works with leaders and changemakers to articulate their vision in robust ways that ignite interest, build understanding, influence opinion and inspire action. Jenna has worked as a journalist and in corporate communications for nearly two decades and has qualifications in communications, science, law and policy.