Australian manufacturing fell into recession in 2024 after three years of post-pandemic growth, with the industry facing mounting cost pressures and slowing economic conditions, according to the Australian Industry Group’s annual Manufacturing Performance and Outlook Report. The sector recorded 0.6 per cent sales and income growth, but real output declined by 1.2 per cent while…
DroneShield announced on Monday a $13 million investment in a significant research and development and manufacturing capacity expansion, including new dedicated production space three times the size of its current facility. The company will establish a new 3,000 square metre production facility in Sydney’s Alexandria, with an expected opening in December 2025. It will also…
Lovells Group has announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle as part of its 95th anniversary celebrations and commitment to innovation. The upcoming 5,000 square metre facility, adjacent to Lovells’ main manufacturing site, will complement the company’s existing research and development hub in Edwardstown, South Australia, forming…
Australia’s grant system is working exactly as designed. And that’s the problem, writes Paul Carmignani, Managing Director of Powertech. Right now, if you’re a small business or a not-for-profit, there’s likely a funding stream available to help you test an idea, buy equipment or build capability. If you’re a multinational or a university, there’s even…
By Deanna D’Alessandro, University of Sydney and Kate Harrison Brennan, University of Sydney In the wake of Labor’s resounding victory in Australia’s federal election earlier this month, there has been much talk about flailing productivity in Australia. In fact, last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers made clear that the priority for…
In the competitive landscape of modern business, access to cutting-edge research infrastructure can be the difference between stagnation and growth for small to medium enterprises. By David Martin. While many Australian SMEs might view research facilities as the exclusive domain of universities and large corporations, the reality is quite different. Australia boasts a robust ecosystem…
Environmental Clean Technologies has completed a scaled granulation facility to support initial testing of its COLDry fertiliser, according to a company announcement on Monday. The test facility, installed at ECT’s demonstration plant in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, will produce 21 tonnes of fertiliser samples for upcoming field and laboratory trials. The installation represents a significant milestone…
By John H Howard The Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) has been established to report on how a more strategic approach to R&D can boost economic growth and productivity. Expressly, SERD has been requested to examine the optimisation of existing R&D investments across all sectors and how to strengthen research-industry connections, support national priorities…
By Sandy Plunkett It is a sad indictment of Australian business complacency that in 2025 – when the world economy and geopolitics are being transformed by AI and data, biomedical and materials sciences, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies – we are still having to explain that innovation is the driver of every modern economy and…
Australia’s future as a frontrunner in global innovation hangs in the balance as R&D investments plummet, sounding alarms at the highest levels of government and industry. Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic (pictured), spurred by a concerning report led by Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm, is calling on the nation’s corporate giants to bolster their research…