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Australia

Australia’s economy has been one of the world’s most resilient during the global economic crisis. Since 2005, labour productivity has increased faster in Australia than in many other OECD countries while income inequality has declined. However, since the fall in commodity prices in 2014, the country has faced considerable challenges in readjusting policies.
Australia’s economy relies relatively heavily on primary and resource-based industries; coal and iron exports accounted for 29% of total exports of goods and services in 2014-15. Although the economy is supported by strong macroeconomic frameworks and commodity price levels have tended to stabilise in 2016, maintaining growth in incomes and conserving the country’s established position in terms of international competitiveness will require further efforts.
In order to address these challenges, the Australian Government developed the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). NISA aims to build a stronger, more productive and diverse economy, with more efficient government and more productive businesses. NISA intends to transform the country into a leading innovator with high wage standards and social welfare safety. NISA’s subprogrammes and initiatives are divided into four key pillars: i) Culture and Capital, ii) Collaboration, iii) Talent and Skills and iv) Government as an Exemplar.
Hot Issues
Encouraging business innovation and innovative entrepreneurship
Improving the framework conditions for innovation (including competitiveness)
Targeting priority areas/sectors
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Improving overall human resources and skills
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Building a broad innovation culture
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Selected Highlights
New challenges
STIO Questionnaire Responses
STI policy governance
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Universities and public research
STIO Questionnaire Responses
ICT and Internet infrastructures
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Technology transfers and commercialisation
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Globalisation
STIO Questionnaire Responses
Relevant Indicators

- Gross domestic expenditure on R&D
- Business enterprise expenditure on R&D
- Higher education expenditure on R&D
- Government intramural expenditure on R&D
- Public sector expenditure on R&D, financed by industry
- Government budget outlays for R&D
- ICT investments
- Tertiary education expenditure
- Employment in S&T occupations
- Internet users
Related Country Reports

- Capacity building and services for the Australian food and agriculture system (Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Australia), 2015
- Economic stability and trust in institutions in Australia (Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Australia), 2015
- The Australian Agricultural Innovation System (Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Australia), 2015
- Executive summary (Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Australia), 2015
- Australia (Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2016: An OECD Scoreboard), 2016
Related STI Outlook Resources
