Strategic Examination of R&D: Seeking input into MTAA's response

The Government has commissioned a strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system, lead by an expert panel including Ian Chubb and Fiona Woods.

These two members of the expert panel point toward a strong interest in medtech R&D and, ideally, commercialisation.

Further details are in the  attached discussion paper and can be found here:  

• https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/strategic-examination-research-and-development/strategic-examination-research-and-development-terms-reference
• https://consult.industry.gov.au/strategic-examination-rd-discussion-paper

The consultation period on the discussion paper closes on 11^th April 2025.

MTAA is engaging relevant members to explore the ten consultation and survey questions (see below).

Consultation Questions:

1. What should an integrated, sustainable, dynamic and impactful Australian R&D system look like? 
2. What government, university and business policy settings inhibit R&D and innovation why? 
3. What do we need to do to build a national culture of innovation excellence, and engage the public focus on success in R&D and innovation as a key national priority? 
4. What types of funding sources, models and/or infrastructure are currently missing or should be expanded for Australian R&D? 
5. What changes are needed to enhance the role of research institutions and businesses (including startups, small businesses, medium businesses and large organisations) in Australia’s R&D system? 
6. How should Australia support basic or ‘discovery’ research? 
7. What should we do to attract, develop and retain an R&D workforce suitable for Australia’s future needs? 
8. How can First Nations knowledge and leadership be elevated throughout Australia’s R&D system? 
9. What incentives do business leaders need to recognise the value of R&D investment, and to build R&D activities in Australia? 
10. What should be measured to assess the value and impact of R&D investments? 

Survey Questions

1. R&D is important for economic diversification. 
2. Increasing R&D investment by the business sector is the most critical element to improving the economic impact of Australian R&D. 
3. Maintaining investment in foundational R&D is critical to the overall health of the R&D system. 
4. Public R&D resources should be more targeted towards national priorities. 
5. New and alternative sources of R&D funding are needed. 
6. First Nations knowledge is sufficiently reflected in the R&D landscape. 
7. Research institutions should be more specialised with more clearly defined roles. 
8. The current R&D workforce can address Australia’s future needs. 
9. Better coordination is needed to manage R&D infrastructure. 
10. Government should play a larger role in spurring collaboration and alignment of cross-sector interests.