The depth of Australia’s linguistic and inter-cultural competence will be a determining factor in the future success of developments in innovation, science and technology, research capacity, international mobility, trade relations and economic competitiveness. In the medium to longer term, the Asia Pacific region will be a principal focus, presenting major challenges and opportunities economically, socially and culturally, for our national security interests.

This project aimed to address issues including, but not limited to, the following:

• What are the attributes (such as personal interactions, ways of learning, cultural sensitivities) needed to succeed in Asia?
• What skills and knowledge would make it easier for people to collaborate in science, research and business?
• How do we use science and cultural diplomacy to advance our broader interests in Asia Pacific?
• What examples stemming from science and cultural diplomacy can we learn from?
• How could we most successfully assist development in the Pacific region?

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