NSSN's response to Australia's Strategic Examination of Research and Development

The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) has submitted a response to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Strategic Examination of Research and Development (R&D) consultation.

The Strategic Examination of R&D is exploring how Australia can encourage more home-grown ideas, research and innovation.

The NSSN stresses that Australia’s R&D system must be more integrated, dynamic, and industry-driven, with closer collaboration between government, universities, and businesses.

We highlight the need for consistent, long-term policy settings to foster trust and attract investment, and stress the vital role of independent brokers like itself in bridging the "triple helix" sectors.

The NSSN calls for better integration of funding programs, increased support for translational research, stronger sovereign R&D capabilities, and better public engagement on the value of innovation.

We also emphasise the celebrating of R&D successes, embedding impact measures beyond just publications and patents, and elevating First Nations leadership in research.