Global trade tensions highlight urgency for Australia to invest in sovereign advanced materials capability

Without a concerted effort to develop local refining and manufacturing, Australia will remain dependent on international supply chains for the materials we use, leaving us vulnerable to global disruptions. By Professor Christopher Hutchinson.

Australia stands at an important point in its technological and industrial future. While we have abundant raw materials and a wealth of research talent, there is a need for a clear strategy to help us extract, value-add and use these resources domestically. Reliance on global supply chains will continue to limit strategic autonomy.

Advanced materials are key to Australia’s sovereign interest and addressing pressing global challenges, from waste valorisation and carbon capture to enabling the circular economy and advancing quantum computing. The future depends on materials, and the innovations we make today will shape the nation and the industries of tomorrow.

Nearly every major technological and industrial breakthrough is driven by the development of new materials. From advanced steels, aluminium alloys, and copper alloys used in structural and energy transmission systems, to cutting-edge semiconductor materials powering our electronics, the role of materials is undeniable. Nanostructured membranes are revolutionising water purification, while thermal insulation materials are improving energy efficiency. New catalysts are required for low-cost hydrogen production, and improved magnetic materials are enhancing the performance of electrical motors.

The energy transition relies heavily on innovative materials for the generation, storage and transport of energy – whether it’s electricity, heat or hydrogen. We’re seeing new advancements in energy storage and solar photovoltaics that could change the way we power our world. In healthcare, biomedical materials are unlocking breakthroughs in nanomedicine and regenerative medicine, and the demand for membranes used in water purification and gas separation continues to grow.

Australia is well-placed with the resources, talent and industrial potential to lead in these areas, but we’re not making the most of our opportunities in advanced materials. The recent launch of the UK’s National Materials Innovation Strategy by the Henry Royce Institute offers an example of how coordinated investment can drive technological and economic progress in advanced materials. Japan has developed comprehensive national roadmaps to advance materials development, emphasising innovation and industrial competitiveness. If Australia is to remain competitive and make the most of the resources and expertise at our disposal, we need to adopt a similar approach. 

The Australian government is investing billions in green steel and decarbonising aluminium smelting. Green metals – including copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt – will be central to a prosperous future for Australia. World-class facilities for materials discovery, testing, and scale-up – aligned with industry needs – will ensure Australia can develop, manufacture, and commercialise critical materials domestically.  

Without a coordinated strategy and national roadmap, Australia might find itself stuck in a position where it has the ingredients for success but lacks the recipe to make them work together. This could lead to missed opportunities for high-value innovation and economic growth. Countries such as the US, Germany and China have been investing heavily in materials science and engineering for many years to accelerate the development of advanced materials, securing patents and commercialising new technologies that Australia risks falling behind on. The global market for advanced materials is projected to grow to over $100 billion by 2030 and Australia’s ability to capture a portion of this market will depend on the actions we take now and the value-add we make to our natural resources.

A national materials science and engineering innovation strategy around ‘advanced materials’ could help provide the framework for Australia to capitalise. It would focus not just on technological development but also on ensuring that the country has a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. There is already a significant skills gap in key areas like materials science, engineering and nanotechnology. 

According to Engineers Australia, more than 50,000 engineers are estimated to be needed over the next few years alone and the most critical shortages exist in the field of materials engineers. Yet, the number of students enrolling in relevant fields remains insufficient. If this gap is not addressed, Australia could find itself relying on foreign expertise, which would slow down domestic innovation and limit our global competitiveness. Advanced materials are critical components of the AUKUS submarines and developing the skill force for this endeavour is a pressing issue that must be addressed in advance of taking custodianship of these key defence infrastructure.

A national roadmap for ‘advanced materials’ would help prioritise the advanced materials developments that provide the biggest benefit to the country and best leverage our natural resources and expertise. It would help ensure everyone involved is pulling in the same direction. It would focus on increasing investment in the advanced materials research that is likely to provide the biggest returns for the country, encouraging collaboration between universities and industry, and creating educational programmes that support the development of materials scientists and engineers. 

A strategy should also address the need for stronger industry collaboration, with more dedicated research hubs linking key sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and clean energy. These actions would help ensure a steady pipeline of professionals and innovators who can drive Australia’s success in emerging fields. 

Inaction will have serious consequences for Australia. As a country rich in raw materials like iron ore, bauxite, and ores of copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements, we are in a prime position to lead the development of critical technologies such as batteries and renewable energy systems. However, much of the value-added processing of these materials is done overseas. Without a concerted effort to develop local refining and manufacturing capabilities, Australia will remain dependent on international supply chains, leaving us vulnerable to global disruptions.

The next generation of advanced materials will be essential for addressing environmental and energy challenges. Breakthroughs in carbon capture, sustainable construction, and energy storage are all reliant on advanced materials. If we fail to invest in these areas, Australia will find itself lagging behind in the global push towards net-zero emissions, which could increase costs and limit our competitiveness in green technologies.

Australia has the resources, talent, and potential to lead in advanced materials, but without a strategic plan and a national roadmap, we risk falling behind. Now is the time to act. By investing in materials science and engineering and fostering a culture of collaboration between research, industry, and education, we can position Australia as a leader in the technologies that will shape the future.

Professor Christopher Hutchinson is the Alcoa Distinguished Professor and a materials engineer at Monash University, specialising in designing stronger, lighter, and more durable structural metals such as steels, aluminium alloys and copper alloys. He helps industries such as mining, automotive, aerospace, rail, nuclear and manufacturing develop materials that are stronger, tougher, more durable and better suited for demanding environments.