Media Release
Cooperative Research Australia welcomed the announcement today by the Morrison Government of a $1.6 billion investment into the innovation system through Australia’s Economic Accelerator Program and support for expansion of a highly skilled innovation workforce experienced in industry-research collaboration.
“We are delighted to see a substantial investment in Australia’s research capability, and investment in industry-research collaboration,” said Cooperative Research Australia CEO Jane O’Dwyer.
“Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world, and powerful research capability. These programs add to our capacity to translate that research into commercial outcomes, and flow to greater economic, social, and environmental benefit to the nation.
“The new funding builds upon Australia’s strengths to better harness our national capability. It complements the successful Cooperative Research Centres Program (CRC Program) that was established 30 years ago to foster medium to longer-term collaborative research between industry, the research sector, and end-users.
“We are particularly delighted to see significant investment in industry PhDs and Fellowships. We have consistently advocated for greater investment in the innovation workforce through industry PhDs. Funding that supports universities and CSIRO to provide more places for industry-focused PhDs and Fellows will supercharge our workforce, and support for those working in industry to undertake PhDs will strengthen the culture of innovation in Australian businesses.
“CRC’s have been the engine room for industry PhDs producing more than 4000 highly trained industry-focussed PhD graduates and thousands of industry-experienced researchers that have formed the backbone of the innovation system.
“The new funding builds on this legacy, supercharging the innovation workforce for the future and creating new opportunities for industry to collaborate with research institutions.”
Cooperative Research Australia strengthens and promotes the transformative potential of collaborative, industry-led research through knowledge exchange, professional development, and advocacy. Our members form the lynchpin in the Australian innovation system and are focused on creating new products, services, industries, and value in our economy.
Media Enquiries
Louise Reid
Cooperative Research Australia
Communications and Marketing Manager
Email: louise.reid@cooperativeresearch.org.au
Phone: 02 6260 3988
Website: www.cooperativeresearch.org.au