Radio National Breakfast New report rethinks Australia's research and development funding
Mar 16, 2026
Anna‑Maria Arabia, Chief Executive at the Australian Academy of Science and adviser on national R&D policy. She outlines a bold roadmap to rebuild Australia’s research system. Shortfalls in R&D spending and why they matter to living standards are explored. The conversation highlights who should fund and steer mission‑driven innovation for economic resilience and sovereign capability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Report Calls For Coherent Bold R&D Overhaul
- Australia's R&D system needs a coherent, bold overhaul rather than incremental band‑aids.
- The Ambitious Australia report provides a clear assessment and a roadmap to create an R&D system that supports economic growth and living standards.
R&D Spending Has Fallen Behind OECD Peers
- Australia’s R&D investment has declined to 1.69% of GDP, about half the OECD average.
- The drop is due to decades of incremental fixes while other countries sharply increased R&D amid technological and geopolitical disruption.
R&D Drives Living Standards Through Productivity
- Failing to lift R&D threatens future living standards via lower productivity and slower industry renewal.
- Anna‑Maria links tangible benefits like cheaper solar power, food supply and medicines to stronger R&D and productivity gains.