For the first time in many years, there is a genuine opportunity to move beyond the oppositional politics that have hindered structural reform. This new parliamentary composition—more diverse but potentially less fractious—opens the door to building coalitions of the willing for major national reform. If we are to grasp this political moment, we must also confront the structural ambiguity that has long undermined innovation policy in this country. 

I've been analysing Australia's innovation policy and discovered something striking: the Administrative Arrangements Order (which allocates government responsibilities) doesn't mention "innovation" anywhere. Departments are assigned responsibility for research, science, and technology, but no department is given responsibility for innovation itself. This helps explain why we keep cycling through reviews, Ministerial statements, and "renewed" strategies without delivering tran

In today’s constrained fiscal environment, governments are rightly asking hard questions. Why should public funds support innovation districts and precincts unless there is clear evidence of productivity uplift, industry renewal, or public benefit? This Insight explores the economic, industrial, and civic value of innovation ecosystems. It argues for a shift in focus—from short-term outputs to long-term productivity gains. It also offers a practical framework for measuring wh

How can innovation policy become both empirically rigorous and open to wisdom that cannot easily be measured? This new Innovation Insight examines the strengths of evidence-based policymaking in building accountability and transparency, while also questioning whether excessive reliance on measurable outcomes risks excluding critical interdisciplinary perspectives. As research and innovation challenges become more complex, the need for richer, integrative policymaking grows.

Rajesh Gopalakrishnan Nair 'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' - Romeo and Juliet,...

Imagine an Australia where innovation flourishes: industry makes bold R&D investments, universities collaborate, and Government is a partner

Australia has research excellence—now it's time to strengthen innovation ecosystems, financing, and pathways to adoption, application & use.

Urban Innovation Districts represent a fundamental shift in how cities leverage knowledge, technology, and people to drive economic growth.

As innovation takes centre stage in national economic strategy, the governance of knowledge-intensive ecosystems is a major policy challege.

The Universities Accord Report pushed for 'root and branch' reform of the R&D system. But could strategic patience be more transformative?

John H Howard, 5 November 2024* The passage of the US CHIPS and Science Act  in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of...