University–industry ties are rising, but mainly with foreign firms. The real barrier is domestic absorptive capacity: many Australian SMEs lack R&D talent, systems to use outside knowledge, and resources to scale. Multinationals adopt our research, while local work stalls at TRL 6–7. Stop blaming universities. Industry must invest in skills, universities must back implementation, and government must support transfer agents. Without this, R&D returns will stay weak.

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.

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.

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

Australia has achieved remarkable success in consumer-facing applications. But it faces a crucial challenge developing platform technologies

The history of reviews of research and innovation in Australia follows a predictable and disheartening cycle

Australia’s future as an innovation leader hinges on its ability to consolidate knowledge and insights provided in previous reviews.

John H Howard, 4 December 2024 The Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of the Research and Development (R&D) system offers a...

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...