A strategic examination of Australia’s research, development and innovation (RD&I) system, identifying its challenges and opportunities. The report includes 20 recommendations focused on six elements. These intend to improve the capacity of Australia’s RD&I system to support the economy and create a more prosperous, healthier, safer and equitable Australia.

Strengthening engagement between economists and regulatory agency analysts can help generate research questions to inform policy and enhance agencies’ analytical capacities. This report reviews opportunities and challenges to improving such engagement and lays out an agenda for both researchers and agencies on better integrating economics research into the regulatory process.

An independent panel is leading a strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system to explore how more home-grown ideas, research and translation can be encouraged. This discussion paper has been developed to support advice and inform potential strategies to optimise Australia’s R&D system.

To sustain a strong research workforce and maintain competitive research standards, this report argues Australia must implement policies and resources that attract and support talented PhD candidates.

The draft priorities outlined in this report set out the ‘what’ and ‘why’ for Australia’s science and research efforts over the next decade. Public feedback will help the Australian government continue to develop and refine the priorities in ways that support their implementation.