Australia hosts National Innovation Policy Forum to boost industrial productivity

The National Innovation Policy Forum and the Built Here Parliamentary Showcase were held at Parliament House to address how Australia can better translate research and innovation into industrial productivity and economic growth.

Key discussions focused on bridging the gap between research, commercialisation, and market adoption. Participants noted that while Australia possesses high-level research excellence, it faces challenges regarding the slow diffusion of innovation and declining productivity growth. Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres emphasized the role of emerging technologies, such as AI, in strengthening global competitiveness.

The Built Here Showcase featured over 50 organisations demonstrating advancements in sectors including defence, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. Notable displays included additive manufacturing innovations from Fusetec, Conflux Technology, and the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing, showcasing applications in high-performance heat exchangers and healthcare solutions.