The federal government has welcomed the results of the latest National Survey of Research Commercialisation that show an increase in collaborations between researchers and industry.
The National Survey of Research Commercialisation, which is in its sixteenth year, tracks knowledge exchange activities in Australia’s public research system by assessing universities, medical research institutes and publicly funded research agencies.
According to the survey, there were more than 18,000 research contracts and collaborations in 2016, generating income of over $1.9 billion.
Industry minister Karen Andrews pointed to a 64 per cent increase in research contracts and collaborations and an additional $513 million in income generated since 2016.
“These results tell a story of our world class research organisations working alongside industry to translate great ideas into real world outcomes and create more Australian jobs.
“Australia has a strong track record of research successes and our technological breakthroughs have transformed everyday life, including CSIRO’s Wi-Fi technology and the world's first cervical cancer vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix," said minister Andrews.
“Our Accelerating Commercialisation and Incubator Support grants, as well as the Biomedical Translation Fund, are some examples of the Liberal National Government’s commitment to taking bold ideas and developing them into realities that benefit all Australians.”