Sir Ray Avery encourages innovation
2.12.11 posted by Jess“Nobody’s as clever as all of us.” This was the opening point of Sir Ray Avery’s lecture at Massey University last night. 2010 New Zealander of the Year, Sir Ray discussed with attendees what it takes to fulfill our potential and why this is so important for New Zealand. “Unlocking New Zealand’s Knowledge Bank” was the subject of the evening and kicked off Massey’s Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference.
We have a huge knowledge base in New Zealand that needs to be more utilised, (we have more research scientists per head of population than most other countries) and we can achieve substantial things together by sharing this knowledge.
Sir Ray stated that Kiwis are unique, we do things differently because we have no respect for status quo, no fear, and we are willing to give anything a go.
This is the kind of attitude that will hold us in great stead for the future. The founder of Medicine Mondiale shared some of his life story, and how his work has served to give thousands access to healthcare and the gift of sight. The key to innovation, he stated, is observation. Our New Zealand knowledge base is a great resource to the world, but, Sir Ray states, “we need to start telling people we’re good.”
