Invest in R&D to build Australia’s economic security

Research and development is how we make Australian lives better and safer. It’s how we create new jobs and industries for future generations. The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering is calling for healthy R&D investment as the core component of economic security – not an optional add-on.

The Strategic Examination of R&D discussion paper, released today by the Federal Government, highlights the need to leverage investment in R&D to secure Australia as one of the world's leading tech economies.

ATSE welcomes the discussion paper’s focus on the importance of R&D for driving productivity, and in particular its message that the need to uplift R&D funding, as called for by many across research and industry, is inarguable.

ATSE looks forward to continuing to contribute to this review, applying the wisdom of our expert Fellows from across research, industry and government. ATSE stands ready to work with the independent expert panel, including our Fellow, Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AO FTSE FAA.

As outlined in ATSE’s 2025-26 pre-budget submission, a well-supported, strategic approach to R&D is a key driver of economic growth. ATSE outlines a range of strategies including incentivising industry investment, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and leveraging government procurement policies. Importantly, this must be backed by secure, long-term government support for all stages of R&D, including foundational research.

Read ATSE’s pre-budget submission: https://atse.org.au/what-we-do/strategic-advice/2025-26-pre-budget-submission/

Read the Strategic Examination of R&D discussion paper: https://consult.industry.gov.au/strategic-examination-rd-discussion-paper