Australia and the United Kingdom held the inaugural Strategic Innovation Dialogue in London on 8-9 April 2024.
The dialogue is part of the Innovation chapter of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It supports trade between two of the world’s most pioneering economies in innovative goods and services.
A joint statement from meeting co-chairs points to mutual innovation priorities and highlights collaboration opportunities in:
- future health advancements, including exploring the potential for a ‘biobridge’ to advance new and innovative medicines, diagnostics and therapeutics
- deepening cooperation on battery manufacturing
- identifying collaborative opportunities for offshore wind
- harmonising standards and interoperability of emerging technologies, including safe and responsible AI.
The joint statement comes at a significant time when both countries are looking to:
- strengthen and diversify global supply chains
- manage a transition to net zero emissions
- ensure the responsible and safe use of critical technologies.
The next Strategic Innovation Dialogue will be in Australia in 2026.