This report gives an updated analysis of Australia’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. It looks at the size, structure and specialisations of the AI workforce, companies and research activities across the nation. The report aims to provide data‑driven insights into the current state of Australia’s AI ecosystem. This will allow decision makers in both the public and private sectors to make informed choices about investment opportunities, upskilling pathways and growth potential in the industry. 

The report describes three key components of Australia’s AI ecosystem:

• public and private companies developing AI products or actively adopting AI
• research and patent activity to do with AI innovation
• AI-related jobs and skills in demand across the economy.

The report begins with an overview of recent developments in AI technology capability, emerging risks, investment patterns, proposed regulations and ethical frameworks. It then analyses Australia’s AI R&D specialisations through research publications and patent activity. It examines business activity across public and private companies, their industry distribution and geographical clustering. It also explores the evolving landscape of AI-related jobs and skills, and presents emerging themes from stakeholder interviews addressing challenges and opportunities in innovation culture, leadership and strategic investment.