What's Getting in the Way of Australia's Innovation Ecosystem?

Ahead of the impending announcement of Public Sector Network's Research Innovation Council initiative, we're pleased to share the following research report and commentary on REAL stories and examples from Australia's Innovation Ecosystem.
Before reading, you are welcome to apply to receive early information about joining our Research Innovation Council ANZ program here.

This we know and are working on - successful innovation hinges on seamless collaboration between government sectors. Enhancing cooperation and breaking down silos are essential to unlocking the full potential of creative solutions and driving progress forward. 

OK. We’ll start with the doom and gloom… but only for a moment: 

• Last measured in 2016, Australia ranked 29th and 30th out of 30 OECD countries for collaboration between industry, higher education and public research institutions on innovation.
• In 2014–15, only three per cent of Australian businesses reported sourcing their ideas for innovation from higher education institutions. This suggests that the majority of Australian businesses are largely disconnected from the publicly funded research sector.
• Australia was ranked 16th out of 33 countries in 2012 for share in total HERD [Higher Ed Expenditure on R&D] & 12th out of 34 countries for GOVERD [Gov Expenditure on R&D] financing  

Of course, we can excuse our lack of collaboration through these existing roadblocks, polled through our research such as:  

Regardless of the above, it IS possible to overcome these barriers and succeed in innovation. As we’ve talked about the solutions out there in previous insights, we won’t go into detail here, but just to give you a brief reminder, the Australian private sector needs to: 

• Develop Strategic Engagement Channels
• Enhance Visibility and Access to Academic Resources
• Streamline Administrative Processes
• Establish Continuous Knowledge Sharing Mechanisms
• Align Research with Policy Needs
• Foster Real-World Projects and Focus Groups
• Leverage High-Visibility Platforms
• Encourage Expert Engagement

Now to inspire you further, please check out the following Australian councils and departments who have shown us that we have the potential to dig our way out of the middle-low rankings in collaboration compared to our global counterparts. 

Case Studies: 

Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECCPHN): 

Collaboration: 

HNECCPHN collaborated with local health districts (LHDs) and University of Newcastle and University of New England to form the Central Coast Health Alliance to address healthcare needs, particularly for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. 

Top 3 Roadblocks:  

• Disagreements over the allocation of funding and resources among the collaborating entities                                                                  

Solution: Secured additional funding through government grants and private sector partnerships to ensure equitable resource distribution, established a joint funding pool to oversee resource allocation transparently

• Differing governance structures and leadership styles                         

Solution: Created a unified governance structure with representatives from each organization, regular leadership meetings and the establishment of a steering committee helped align decision-making processes

• Inefficient communication channels and lack of effective coordination mechanisms  

Solution: Implemented a robust communication strategy that included regular video conferences, updates through a centralised communication platform, and clear communication protocols and areas of focus

Innovation: 

The network adopted innovative governance and operational models, including a distributed network of office locations to better engage with clinicians and communities. This collaboration also emphasised evidence-based management and best clinical practices to improve patient outcomes. 

Outcome: 

Enhanced healthcare delivery, especially in areas with significant Indigenous populations, and improved coordination between various health service providers 

Co-operative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) 

Collaboration: 

Various councils across Australia collaborated with research institutions and social enterprises under the CCIN framework. 

Councils:  

City of Sydney Council, City of Melbourne Council, Brisbane City Council, Adelaide City Council, Perth City Council 

Research Institutions: 

University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia  

Top 3 Roadblocks:  

• Navigating through varying bureaucratic requirements slowed down processes 

Solution: Created a centralised governance structure with representatives from each council, research institution, and social enterprise. Streamlined bureaucratic processes by developing unified guidelines and procedures for project approvals and operations

• Inconsistent funding led to difficulties in maintaining project momentum

Solution: Established pooled funding mechanisms and sought additional grants from state and federal governments. Implemented a transparent budgeting process to ensure equitable distribution of resources among all partners

• Conflicting priorities and agendas between councils, research institutions, and social enterprises                                                                                     

Solution: Aligned goals through collaborative planning sessions where all partners identified common objectives and priorities. Created a shared mission and vision statement to guide the collaboration. 

Innovation: 

The network facilitated projects focused on community wealth building, cooperative placemaking, and social outcomes. These projects involved innovative approaches to local governance, community engagement, and economic development. 

Outcome: 

Successful implementation of community-driven initiatives that promoted social and economic resilience, demonstrated through over 530 case studies shared by network members. 

Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund (GSTDF) 

Collaboration: 

The Australian government, through the GSTDF, collaborated with international research and academic entities to advance science and technology innovation. 

Government Departments Involved: 

Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Education, Department of Health 

International Research and Academic Entities: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, University of Cambridge, UK, Indian Institute of Science, India, Tsinghua University, China, Max Planck Society, Germany  

Top 3 Roadblocks:  

• Unequal funding and resource distribution led to challenges in maintaining project momentum and achieving balanced contributions from all parties                   

Solution: The Australian government established joint funding mechanisms with clear agreements on financial commitments from each international partner and sought additional funding from international grants and private sector investments

• Navigating complex international regulations and ensuring compliance delayed project timelines                                                                                                     

Solution: Formed a regulatory compliance team, overseen by DFAT to work closely with legal experts from each country to streamline processes and ensure all collaborative activities met the necessary legal and ethical standards

• Legal and ethical concerns about data privacy and IP ownership complicated the sharing of research findings and collaborative innovation                                  

Solution: Developed a unified framework for legal and ethical standards, regular ethical reviews and compliance audits were carried out which ensured adherence to agreed-upon guidelines

Innovation: 

The fund supported strategic and bilateral research projects in priority areas such as quantum computing, space research, and biotechnology. These collaborations aimed to enhance Australia's research capabilities and global competitiveness. 

Outcome: 

Strengthened international research partnerships and significant advancements in cutting-edge scientific fields, positioning Australia as a leader in global innovation (Industry.gov.au). 

Want to improve your organisation’s collaboration by participating in informative sessions and networking? Apply to receive information about joining our Research Innovation Council ANZ program here.