Ron Johnston

Professor Ron Johnston is Emeritus Professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Professor of Innovation in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney. He has served as Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Innovation (ACIIC) within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies. Johnston holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of New South Wales (1964) and a PhD. Educated as a scientist in Australia, the UK, and the US, he spent many years working in Europe and the US across the private sector, international organisations, and universities before his prominent roles at the University of Sydney.

Johnston's academic interests center on science and technology policy and management, including how science and technology contribute to economic and social development, effective research and technology management, technology foresight, knowledge management, and the processes and culture of innovation. He has authored more than 200 books, articles, and reports. Among his most influential publications are "The roles of science in technological innovation" (with M. Gibbons, Research Policy, 1974), "Technology foresight for wiring up the national innovation system: experiences in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand" (with B.R. Martin, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 1999), "Towards a strategy for knowledge management" (with R. Blumentritt, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 1999), "Effects of resource concentration on research performance" (Higher Education, 1994), and "Future-oriented technology analysis: strategic intelligence for an innovative economy" (2008). These works have received substantial citations, underscoring his impact on innovation studies.

Recognized as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE, 1990), Johnston has held key positions including Deputy Chair of the Australian Science and Technology Engineering Council, Director of the Australian Commission for the Future, Trustee and Life Fellow of the Powerhouse Museum, member of the Australian Manufacturing Council, and member of the NSW Innovation Council. The University of Sydney's Professor Ron Johnston Humanitarian Innovation Awards commemorate his contributions to humanitarian innovation and engineering solutions.

Professional Email: ron.johnston@sydney.edu.au