Towards 3% R&D, research for a decarbonised future – by Stephanie Moscovis

Ahead of @AuManufacturing and BDO’s webinar Towards 3% R&D – Where to from here? on 19 September (information and sign up here) Stephanie Moscovis looks at Australia’s Trailblazer programme that is derisking research into decarbonising the economy.

Research and development (R&D) is not just a process; it is the secret sauce of innovation, the driving force behind progress, and the key to unlocking solutions to society’s biggest challenges.

However, recent reports reveal that R&D investment in Australia has plateaued over the past 14 years, lagging behind global leaders such as Korea, Sweden, Germany, Japan, and the USA, according to 2022 ABS data.

To address this challenge, the Australian Government’s Department of Education established six national Trailblazer programmes across key areas of national interest.

The Trailblazer programmes are one of many initiatives to assist Australia’s investment in R&D and raise national technological impact and economy growth.

Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) programme is uniquely positioned to support R&D from the lab to market and drive the nation toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The Decline of R&D in Australia

Australia’s R&D investment has been plateauing, as evidenced by recent reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Academy of Science.

According to these reports, if investment in R&D continues to decline by 0.1% of GDP per year, Australia will be among the lowest of OECD countries.

This trend is concerning, given that Australian businesses increasingly recognise climate change as a material and financial risk.

To compete on a global scale, Australia must take advantage of government initiatives designed to bolster R&D investment.

These initiatives include ARENA, Australia’s Economic Accelerator Grants, CSIRO’s Kick-Start and Innovate to Grow for SMEs programmes, along with R&D Tax Incentives.

Hosted by Peter Roberts, the webinar Towards 3% R&D – Where to from here? will take place on Thursday 19 September, 11:00am – 12:00pm (AEST) (more information and sign up here).

Despite these efforts, a coordinated approach is needed to reverse the decline in R&D investment and meet decarbonisation targets.

Industry-University partnership can play a key role in initiating new R&D projects to develop critical technologies towards a net zero economy.

The commercialisation of university-based research from the lab to market could see Australia raise its innovation output.

The Trailblazer Advantage

The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy program (TRaCE) is designed to address these challenges by fostering an ecosystem of support that bridges the gap between universities and industry.

By derisking R&D, TRaCE empowers industry and research partners to collaborate effectively and develop innovative solutions in the clean energy sectors.

By bringing rigorous project management and a commercial approach to R&D projects, industry partners are experiencing faster contract negotiations and outcome delivery.

Building Trust and Nurturing Relationships

Building pathways and opportunities is one thing, but engaging industry and university collaboration is another.

TRaCE identifies opportunities for trust-building and culture change, advocating for win-win solutions between researchers and industry stakeholders.

By serving as a facilitator, TRaCE promotes collaborative, solution-oriented methods that emphasise on transparency, continuous improvement in the pursuit of R&D commercialisation.

Co-designing and facilitation

Industry partners have expressed their satisfaction with the TRaCE programme, highlighting its ability to transform traditional R&D models by connecting research efforts with market needs.

Through co-designing R&D projects with industry partners, TRaCE ensures that innovation cycles are accelerated.

The General Manager of ARC Ento Tech ARC Ramon Atayde said: “The TRaCE team thought of every way to connect us with the researchers at the University.

“They looked for the connections and made them for us, and when they found this opportunity, they made it happen.

“In the past, it was us looking for the right researchers. Here, TRaCE were the matchmakers.”

Metrics for Success

TRaCE is committed to accountability and transparency, implementing milestone metrics to track the success of R&D projects. By providing clear and measurable goals, the program ensures that projects stay on track and deliver tangible results to its industry partners.

Seizing Global Opportunities

Australia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global energy superpower by capitalising on the circular economy, renewable energy and the critical minerals sector.

TRaCE plays a key role in driving innovation and ensuring that Australia does not fall behind its global competitors.

As Australia faces the dual challenges of declining R&D investment and the urgent need to meet ambitious emission reduction targets, the TRaCE programme offers a path forward.

By fostering collaboration between industry and research partners, TRaCE and its five-fellow Trailblazer programs are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and create a sustainable future for Australia.

Stephanie Moscovis is a researcher and communications specialist. Stephanie is an expert in circular economy and clean energy ecosystems. She has led projects that see ideas to market in communities here in Australia and in Europe. Her work bridges knowledge gaps and cultural divides to impact society and the environment.

Picture: Stephanie Moscovis