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. 

Since 1963, Australia’s federal industry portfolio has been restructured more than 20 times. This extraordinary level of administrative churn exposes a deeper crisis: a persistent uncertainty about the purpose, priorities, and pathways of industrial policy. This Innovation Insight calls for a reevaluation of institutional maturity—one that strikes a balance between executive flexibility and enduring strategic direction.

Australia's Future Made in Australia strategy risks building the factories of tomorrow while outsourcing their digital brains. This new Innovation Insight argues that Computer and Information Services (CIS)—including software, AI, and cloud platforms—must be recognised as essential infrastructure, not an afterthought. This Insight proposes a dedicated Digital Enablement stream into the FiMA National Interest Framework. Without this, we risk building yesterday’s industries wit

What does the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 actually commit to? This analysis examines the strengths and gaps in the state's innovation stra

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,...

This is the first of a series on what makes good public policy. Further Insights will be published weekly on Tuesdays. Other Innovation...

Revenue-contingent loans are a policy mechanism to offer businesses flexible, risk-managed financing, with repayments tied to future revenue

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...

The Review is an opportunity to reshape Australia's research system, aiming for a coherent, future-facing model that boosts investment.

The Science, Research and Innovation budget tables, released on 18 October, deliver a keen insight into the government’s investment in R&D.

University rankings have become something of an obsession, with institutions fixated on where they stand in the latest league tables.

R&D scorecards are vital tools for policymakers. The IRDB last published a scoreboard in 1997. This left a gap in our understanding of R&D.

Business investment in R&D collapsed during the GFC in 2008 and did not recover. This calls for policy responses and business commitment.