Research and innovation in Australia: a policy statement

The nation’s future socio-economic and environmental prosperity will be underpinned by science, technology and innovation.

Without urgent attention to education, research and innovation policies, Australia may find its current competitive advantages in the international marketplace rapidly eroded.

Alternatively, strategic investment in science, technology and innovation will open up new and exciting opportunities to strengthen the quality of life for all Australians.

Recommendations

1. That Australia increases its support for the national R&D effort to ensure that it retains an internationally competitive science capability to underpin the nation’s industrial, commercial, environmental and economic position among leading world economies.
2. That Australia examines the implications of the continuing relatively low level of private sector investment in R&D and creates policy settings that encourage greater innovation.
3. That Australia further addresses the critical lack of suitably qualified science and mathematics teachers, and expands programs to encourage high school students to study science and mathematics.
4. That Australia maintains a long-term commitment to basic research funding in universities, and ensures that the Research Quality Framework (RQF) results in additional funds for high-quality research.
5. That Australia continues to invest in the future by building on the Higher Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) for capital works and research infrastructure in universities.
6. That Australia provides support for publicly funded research organisations sufficient to maintain their core capabilities, on which their competitiveness as world-class research providers depends.
7. That Australia increases its level of support for existing research centre schemes and develops new ‘International Research Centres’, and that the research fellowship awards be substantially expanded, particularly for early- and mid-career researchers.
8. That Australia makes a long-term commitment to maintaining first class national research infrastructure facilities and promotes Australian access to international facilities.
9. That Australia gives urgent attention to nurturing rewarding and secure career paths for talented early-career researchers.
10. That Australia recognises the importance of engagement with the international scientific community and uses science more effectively as a tool in foreign policy.