CIFR is in a position to draw on its capabilities and network to provide independent and objective research and public policy contributions. In this short submission Dr Rob Nicholls addresses certain aspects of the Interim Report with observations and views supported by output from CIFR-funded research.

In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Aaron L. Connelly previews the likely direction of Indonesian foreign policy under President-elect Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, highlighting major issues and profiling key advisers. Key findings: Jokowi will leave foreign policy-making to key advisers, creating greater opportunities for competition over policy between the institutions those advisers lead. This competition could make...

This paper examines the productivity of firms in manufacturing and business services, particularly the contribution of entry and exit to aggregate productivity growth.

This paper explores the connection between the competitive advantage of a region and actual growth experienced. Summary The connection between the competitive advantage of a region and actual growth experience is complex. Some regions with a high degree of competitive advantage remain ‘below par’ in terms of economic performance or population growth, while other regions...

In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Nicholas Humphries examines how Australian Customs can increase Australia’s trade competitiveness at a time when goods and services are increasingly produced across borders in so- called ‘global value chains’ (GVC). This Analysis was written as a part of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services Fellowship at the Lowy Institute...