Joint media release with Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare MP
The Albanese government is announcing details of its landmark review of Australia's research and development performance to help power economic growth.
We are releasing Terms of Reference for the Strategic Examination of R&D announced at the last budget.
We are also announcing the four eminent Australians who will lead the examination, including Chair Robyn Denholm.
It will be the first time in almost 20 years that this important foundation of our economy will come in for such wide-ranging review.
The Strategic Review will be led by Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tesla.
Robyn brings extensive experience in R&D through her senior leadership roles at some of the most innovative companies on the planet.
Other panels members are:
• Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, former Vice Chancellor of Australia National University, former Chief Scientist, current Chair of the Health and Medical Advisory Group and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
• Professor Fiona Wood AO, former Australian of the Year, pioneer of "Recell" spray-on skin, Director of Royal Perth Hospital Burns Unit and Winthrop Professor in the School of Surgery at the University of Western Australia.
• Dr Kate Cornick, CEO of LaunchVic (Victoria's startup agency), Non-Executive Director at the Victorian Government Innovation Panel and the Australian Information Industry Association, former CEO of ASX-listed Rision Ltd.
The Panel is being asked to assess the benefits to economic growth and productivity from a more purposeful approach to R&D.
Specifically, they will consider opportunities to:
• Maximise the value of existing investment in R&D
• Strengthen linkages between research and industry
• Support the achievement of national priorities
• Drive greater R&D investment
• Uplift Australia's overall R&D intensity
Terms of reference for the examination are available at: www.industry.gov.au/StrategicR&D
The examination will report its findings by the end of 2025.
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:
"Our ideas and intellectual property are an indicator of future economic success.
"This review is designed to give us an evidence-based pathway to stronger growth.
"It's been almost 20 years since we asked the hard questions about our R&D performance, despite the alarming slide over the last decade.
"We said after the pandemic we would boost our manufacturing self-sufficiency.
"That is a big challenge, but Australian know-how can help us do things smarter, sharpening our edge against international competition.
"Our $23 billion Future Made in Australia plan is a critical investment in building up our industrial muscle.
"We've got to back up that investment with a world-class R&D system that will deliver more firepower from our boardrooms and labs so we can compete with the best in the world."
Quotes attributable to the Hon. Jason Clare, Minister for Education:
"Research is critical to Australia's economic growth and productivity. It's a vital part of our plan for a Future Made in Australia.
"The Universities Accord recommended we improve the ways research is funded to put it on a more predictable footing, and that's what this review will look at."
Quotes attributable to Robyn Denholm, Chair of the Review:
"Australia has ambitious goals to become a thriving economy that leverages its greatest resource, our extraordinary people.
"While we excel at producing world class research, it is now imperative to focus on development and commercialisation to realise the full impact of our efforts.
"My objective for this review is to unlock the immense potential of Australian research by turning it into tangible outcomes that deliver both economic and societal benefits.
"Drawing on my experience across the global and Australian business sectors, I aim to help shape R&D settings that enhance our global competitiveness and secure our nation's future prosperity.
"I look forward to working with the phenomenal committee members, the government and stakeholders to deliver a framework that supports a stronger, more innovative Australia for decades to come."
