It’s the boardroom exodus that has the whole nation watching. Four independent directors including WiseTech chair Richard Dammery have called time on logistics giant WiseTech just weeks after new allegations were levelled against its founder Richard White.

Now, investors are seeking to uncover “what has fundamentally changed” at WiseTech with some spectators wondering whether Mr White – who founded WiseTech 30 years ago – is plotting to return as chief executive.

In other news, companies need to start funding their own research and development and stop relying on government handouts, the boss of one of Australia’s biggest tech companies warns, as innovation spending dives against global rankings.