Media Releases 2008

6 August 2008

Universities Australia supports continued collaboration through CRCs

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the Review of Australia's Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program, announced by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon. Kim Carr. It provides a reinvigorated framework for linking researchers and industry.

"Universities Australia is pleased the CRC Review has taken into account key matters emphasised in our submission to the Review of the National Innovation System, especially to encourage collaboration, to increase public investment in CRCs, and to investigate ways of promoting greater industry involvement in CRCs and their projects," said Dr Glenn Withers, Chief Executive of Universities Australia.

"We also recognise that in line with our submission, the Review has acknowledged that achieving proper balance on intellectual property and commercialisation outcomes requires further attention within the system," Dr Withers said.

"The proposals for greater public interest research opportunities in the program are particularly constructive. The intended extension of the reach of the program to new sectors and fields, and to greater international collaboration is also positive," Dr Withers said.

"Universities Australia will lodge a response to the Review that will cover other key points on the need for more flexible mechanisms for individuals or micro-businesses to participate in CRCs; mechanisms to encourage a more collaborative research community specifically tailored to Australia's business environment with specific reference to small and medium enterprises; and consideration of the introduction of a Premium R&D Tax Concession (up to 175%) for greater collaboration between universities, research agencies and industry," Dr Withers said.

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Media Inquiries Rebecca Harris – phone: (02) 6285 8106 or 0400 1666911