Australia’s fragmented research system and shrinking research workforce is undermining national productivity. Funding is too fragmented, the rules are too complicated and there is a lack of coordination across government. More than a dozen portfolios are involved in running over a hundred different research programs often with no shared strategy, no consistent approach and no clear way to align efforts.

The result is a system that is inefficient, confusing and ultimately falling short of what Australia needs. This paper suggests that aligning similar programs under the same portfolio – and linking strategy to delivery – is common sense.

Recommendations

• Reduce fragmentation and improve coherence.
• Establish a whole-of-government mechanism for strategic oversight.
• Implement a national approach to research priorities.
• Protect and invest in basic research.
• Strengthen foundational research funding mechanisms.