Climate change is a higher order problem and, at its root, a human problem. It involves a level of complexity that makes it difficult for most people to understand and thus deal with. Human evolution is required to make progress. Einstein understood this type of situation when he said, “We...
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In Australia and other nations, governments and industry partners are investing heavily in vital infrastructure. Such investment is, in part, to restore confidence and growth into economies battered by COVID-19. Restoring the economy and reducing debt also demands that every dollar is spent wisely. But many infrastructure proponents are fanning...
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Humans have proven themselves to be incredibly inventive and adaptive. So, is there any need to worry about the societal challenges we face? Surely we will invent our way to solutions. Phenomenal advances in technology offer hope but cannot be solely relied on. Comparable upgrades to our human software –...
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Australia’s energy prices are soaring, in part due to the limited domestic supply of gas. While most states ban coal seam gas development the federal government counters with regulatory and fiscal threats to reduce gas exports and lift the bans. While some limited short-term benefits might accrue, the gas companies...
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Humans are amazing. We’re capable of orchestrating moving music, creating beautiful structures and deconstructing the human genome. Why then, when we possess such constructive capabilities, do governments find themselves grasping for answers, businesses struggling to grow, and communities feeling insecure and mistrustful of public and private sector leaders alike? In...
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Practical engineering solutions may be the key to transcending the political gridlock that confounds the energy-climate crisis. Several days ago, Matthew Warren, chief executive of the Australian Energy Council, warned “We now risk rolling into a second decade of energy policy uncertainty. This could be catastrophic for the cost and...
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There are solutions to our social and economic challenges in the infrastructure, resources, health and education sectors. They’re exciting, affordable and achievable. But are we smart enough to recognise and implement them? On 15 September 2015, Australia got its fifth Prime Minister in eight years. The nation’s new leader, Malcolm...
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More money won’t address the shortfall of good infrastructure projects. Better planning and governance arrangements will help, but a shift in mind-sets is the key. Many people in the infrastructure ‘community’ are captured in a false narrative and mind-set. Better approaches are being overlooked as effort goes into solving the...
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Lazy, insular, complacent – words used to describe the state of enterprise in Australia. Harsh words indeed, but are they right? Anatomy of Opportunity In my last article (here) I described the Anatomy of Opportunity. It highlights the opportunities for government agencies and businesses alike to unleash greater productivity, innovation...
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A skilled and fresh set of eyes, employing insights from behavioural science, can trigger powerful shifts in business performance. But normally it’s only those prepared to rock their own boat that will reap the rewards. “I’m really unhappy in my job. I’m working hard and people want me in this...
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