New report encourages research-industry collaboration

A report from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has identified new approaches to measuring engagement between researchers and industry.

Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, welcomed the release of the report, and said it provides a practical framework for measuring how universities and researchers work with industry and other stakeholders.

“The findings of this report highlight the importance of collaboration between researchers and industry,” Mr Pyne said.

“Translating research results into the best social and economic outcomes is an important part of the Government’s Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.

“One of the key goals of the associated Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research strategy is to create stronger incentives for university-industry collaboration.

“ATSE has recently been working to develop research engagement metrics measuring research engagement between universities and end users, such as industry.

“The metrics developed in the Research Engagement for Australia report have the potential to increase the return on public investment in science, technology, engineering and maths research as well as research in humanities and social sciences.

“ATSE’s work provides encouragement to researchers to engage with industry. What it does not explicitly do is encourage industry to engage with universities. I urge business leaders to meet researchers at least halfway - to engage with them more often, and more deeply, and to bridge the gap which currently exists between the two sectors.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that Australia has a well-functioning research sector as it is vital to our productivity and our future.

The Research Engagement for Australia report can be accessed on the ATSE website here.