In Australia we believe that we are clever - an innately inventive and original people. Yet in recent years an extraordinary pessimism has grown within the national psyche - that Australia is being left behind by an accelerating world because we always fail to capitalise on our clever ideas.But what if we're not quite as original as we think we are? What if the real strengths of our country lie in imitation: in the clever use of technology and in our ability to profit from other people's creativity?A hundred years ago, an open and adaptive attitude towards technology made Australia the wealthiest society in the world. Today, this same attitude is transforming our nation and creating unexpected opportunities for Australia's inventors, discoverers and entrepreneurs. Better yet, it can make us rich again.If you're tired of the myths that Australia isn't a clever country, that we're suffering a brain drain, and that all our best ideas end up overseas, this book will bust them.Politically charged, controversial, and sharply written, The Australian Miracle will inject new energy into a national debate and change forever the way we think about Australia's place in the world.