SPACE MAPPING COMMERCIALISATION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF REMOTE SENSING IN AUSTRALIA.
Andrew Finegan and Greg Ellis
RMIT Centre for Remote Sensing
Dept. Land Information
RMIT
GPO Box 2476V
Melbourne 3001
Australia.
Commission VI
Abstract:
This paper examines the challenges associated with the management of remote sensing technology in
Australia. Models are presented that provide valuable guide-lines for the commercialisation of remote
sensing technology.
The study utilises a systems approach to provide a framework of analysis that is sensitive to both
technological requirements and human factors. It describes a new range of problem solving skills that are
appropriate where the situation is complex and poorly defined.
The paper argues that systems modelling is a valuable method for developing strategies for the proper
management of remote sensing.
Key words:
INTRODUCTION
Remote sensing is a technology that has developed
along with the information technology revolution of
the Twentieth Century. In the 1990's remote sensing
is a synthesis of communication systems, space
science, computer systems, applications
development, commercial endeavour and government
policy. It encompasses issues that range from
international cooperation for space exploration to
the development of individual farm management
systems and local land care programmes. The
components that make up remote sensing systems
generally have high costs of initial establishment,
yet they have the potential to be cost effective
tools for the technologically advanced society that
Australia aspires to become. For these reasons the
study of the commercialisation of remote sensing
offers a better understanding of the transfer of a
complex technology and an insight into how remote
sensing can be effectively incorporated into the
developing technological infrastructure of
Australia.
This paper presents a systems approach that is
currently being used within a research programme to
develop functional models for successful technology
management in Australia. The project seeks to
develop strategies to achieve effective technology
transfer between academic institutions and
Australian industry. The technology that the
research focuses upon is remote sensing.
BACKGROUND TO THE PROBLEM
An Australian study (Bureau of Industry Economics,
1990) indicates that successful commercialisation
of new technologies is dependent upon the linkages
that exist between the public sector research
organisations and industry. This emphasis on
linkages is supported by the findings of Prager and
Omenn (1980) and Boyle (1986) and is expressed by
the following questions:
How can linkages be developed and maintained
between industry and public sector research
organisations?
How can industry effectively identify and
specify research needs and know what relevant
171
Remote Sensing, Space Imagery, Mapping, System Design
research is taking place?
How can industry be involved at an early
stage of research, so as to be able to
participate in the research definition stage?
organisations
in the
Are public sector research
prepared to support industry
commercialisation process?
How to erase preconceptions that build
barriers to successful technology transfer?
The negative perceptions of the last question
include:
The "not invented here" and the "not one of
us" syndromes. This attitude is particularly
prevalent where a technology is used by a
number of specialist disciplines. There is
often a great reluctance to accept the
experience of other disciplines as being
relevant to the problems of a specialist.
Many managers in industry believe that
universities still live in an ivory tower
world and as a consequence cannot have any
understanding of the needs of the 'real
world'. It is perceived that academics are
unable to appreciate the needs of industry,
which is reflected in research that is
inappropriate to industry. This problem is
compounded by the belief that universities
generally overstate the market value of their
research.
Major sectors of Australian industry have not
taken sufficient advantage of commercial
opportunities from public sector research.
This is attributed to a mismatch between
these opportunities and the capabilities of
local industry rather than a failure to
recognise the commercial opportunity.
: Much of Australian industry lacks a
commitment to innovation, is not prepared to
take risks, and concentrates on short term
operational planning to the detriment of
longer term strategic planning.
Many public sector research organisations