The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science has announced four principles for creating and fostering innovation precincts; local leadership, removing barriers to collaboration, creating “capability and connections” in precincts and improving “student employability and entrepreneurialism.”

Getting it right is all about thinking and acting local, agrees CRC Association head Tony Peacock, “the richness of communication falls off at 60 yards – yelling distance, or getting-together-for-coffee-distance. Beyond that, you need to take action to get people talking before collaborating. “

Perhaps the department’s advice is meant for innovators in shouting distance of the minister’s office – in Manuka or Deakin.