Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) has welcomed the release of a discussion paper from the panel conducting a strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system, expressing support for a deeper engagement in the consultation process.
CRA CEO Jane O’Dwyer said the paper, along with Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic’s National Press Club address, highlights the urgency of the challenges facing Australia’s innovation landscape.
“R&D and innovation is core to Australia’s economic future. It is, as the Minister said, a national asset and a driver of economic growth and economic diversity,” O’Dwyer said.
She noted that CRA members and the broader research community are eager to contribute to the review and help shape a future that maximises Australia’s potential.
While acknowledging the nation’s strong research performance, she pointed to the success of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program as an example of effective collaboration.
The CRC initiative, which includes Cooperative Research Centres and Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-Ps), has facilitated over 35,400 commercialisation agreements, supported more than 38,000 global collaborations, and contributed to the creation of over 140 spin-off companies.
O’Dwyer also referenced insights from CRA’s National Innovation Policy Forum (NIPF), which brought together government, business, and research leaders in November.
She said the forum discussions identified key challenges outlined in the discussion paper and explored ways to enhance Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
She also highlighted the role of culture and procurement in driving R&D growth, aligning with Minister Husic’s comments.
“We need to simplify procurement processes and create clearer pathways for small and medium enterprises to scale up from early innovation stages,” she said.
O’Dwyer said the alignment between the government’s strategic examination and the perspectives of business and research leaders is encouraging.
“We need a national innovation framework, a cohesive vision, improved procurement processes, strengthened government support, and a sharper focus on collaboration and export,” she said.
CRA has encouraged stakeholders to participate in the review process and remains committed to contributing to Australia’s long-term innovation strategy.
