Purpose
The strategic examination will deliver recommendations to secure Australia’s future prosperity by strengthening Australia’s research and development (R&D) system.
While Australia is a global powerhouse of science and research, more can be done to bolster our national R&D system as an important contributor to economic growth and resilience. Maximising Australia’s attractiveness as a place to undertake R&D, particularly in priority areas of the economy, will create higher value jobs in Australia, attract international talent, and grow businesses that can value-add and compete in global supply chains.
The strategic examination of R&D will consider how Australia can get more value from our investments in research across universities, industry and government, how we can harness and grow business investment in R&D, and how we can leverage our scientific strengths to help address national priorities and foster new industries.
Process
An independent panel will be commissioned to lead the examination.
A dedicated secretariat established jointly by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Department of Education, in consultation with Treasury, will undertake research and analysis, and provide governance of the examination.
The panel will engage widely through public consultation and targeted discussion, including with researchers, businesses, Commonwealth, state and territory governments, in undertaking its examination.
The panel will report to the Minister for Industry and Science, the Treasurer and Minister for Education.
Scope of the examination
The panel should assess the benefits to economic growth and productivity from a more purposeful approach to research and development.
The panel will consider opportunities to:
- maximise the value of existing investment in R&D, across government, universities, philanthropy and industry
- strengthen linkages between research and industry, enabling greater mobility of researchers and innovators between sectors and addressing barriers to meaningful collaboration
- support the achievement of national priorities, including mechanisms to improve coordination and impact of R&D funding and programs across Government and through our science agencies
- drive greater R&D investment by industry, and boost industry adoption of innovation
- uplift Australia’s overall R&D intensity.
In doing so, the panel will examine:
- the current state of Australia’s R&D system, and comparable state of OECD investment in R&D, including levels of investment in R&D, R&D infrastructure and R&D workforce, across sectors
- barriers and risks impacting on Australia’s capacity to maintain R&D competitiveness
- ways to better measure the value and impact of R&D investments, and maximise efficiencies
- ways to ensure R&D benefits are equitably distributed across regions and communities.
The strategic examination should take into consideration recent and ongoing reviews commissioned by Australian Governments relating to Australia’s research, innovation, and productivity performance, including the Australian Universities Accord and the National Science and Research Priorities.
The panel’s recommendations should also consider the contribution of First Nations knowledge, knowledge systems and leadership of research that has impactful, transformative outcomes for all Australians, but especially First Nations peoples.
Time frame
The strategic examination will be conducted until 31 December 2025.