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In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and David Martin from the Australian Industry Group discuss the final report of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development in Australia and what it means for industry, innovation and productivity.
They explain why the review was commissioned, how Australia compares with its OECD peers, and what is at stake if current settings remain unchanged. The conversation explores what makes this review different from past efforts, including its whole‑of‑system approach, focus on execution, and recommendations to consolidate funding programs and sharpen national priorities.
Louise and David unpack the implications for CEOs, startups and SMEs, including proposed changes to the R&D tax incentive, efforts to reduce administrative burden, and the risks of shifting funding away from business‑led innovation. They also examine calls for stronger national coordination through a National Innovation Council, and the persistent challenge of translating world‑class research into commercial outcomes.
The episode highlights why long‑term policy certainty, better collaboration between industry and universities, and genuine reform - rather than more reviews - will matter for Australia’s future competitiveness.
Key takeaways
Further information and resources:
Download the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development report here
Australian Industry Group’s submissions:
Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.
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In her role as Australian Industry Group’s Head of Industry Development and Policy Louise provides strategic leadership and guidance for Australian Industry Group’s policy agenda in building competitive industries through global integration, infrastructure development and innovation. She ensures that through policy leadership members have a voice at all levels of government, by representing and promoting their interests on current and emerging issues.
Louise represents Australian Industry in several multilateral forums, such as the B20 Taskforces, Global Business Coalition, and the East Asia Business Council working group on RCEP. She advocates for the interests of Australian Industry Group members during Free Trade Negotiations and translates those agreements to support the strategic aims of members. She is a member of CSIRO’s Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Think Tank and the Manufacturing Advisory Group, the NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub and the Advisory Group of The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
Louise has studied a Bachelor of Arts (Arabic Language and Culture) at Deakin University and an Advanced Diploma in International Trade at RMIT. She has also studied Arabic at universities in Jordan and Egypt.
David is Director of Emerging Industries and Innovation at Australian Industry Group.
He has been part of Australia’s innovation ecosystem for more than 15 years and has worked at the executive level across multiple industries in large and small organisations to facilitate innovative solutions to complex problems.
David has maximised opportunities for Australian industry in $88 billion of major projects, delivered financial assistance of more than $22 million to innovative SMEs and pulled together over 150 commercially astute leading-edge research/industry collaborations that have resulted in novel technology and jobs of the future.
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With almost 300 staff and networks of relationships that extend beyond borders (domestic and international), we have the resources and expertise to meet the changing needs of our membership. We provide the practical information, advice and assistance you need to run your business.
In her role as Australian Industry Group’s Head of Industry Development and Policy Louise provides strategic leadership and guidance for Australian Industry Group’s policy agenda in building competitive industries through global integration, infrastructure development and innovation. She ensures that through policy leadership members have a voice at all levels of government, by representing and promoting their interests on current and emerging issues.
\nLouise represents Australian Industry in several multilateral forums, such as the B20 Taskforces, Global Business Coalition, and the East Asia Business Council working group on RCEP. She advocates for the interests of Australian Industry Group members during Free Trade Negotiations and translates those agreements to support the strategic aims of members. She is a member of CSIRO’s Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Think Tank and the Manufacturing Advisory Group, the NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub and the Advisory Group of The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
\nLouise has studied a Bachelor of Arts (Arabic Language and Culture) at Deakin University and an Advanced Diploma in International Trade at RMIT. She has also studied Arabic at universities in Jordan and Egypt.
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