Innovation

Australia's capacity to innovate - to create new knowledge, find new ways of doing business, and transform great ideas into great results - is the key to building a modern and competitive economy.

The department encourages innovation with a range of initiatives for researchers, universities, business, industry and the public sector. Our innovation activities are informed by the Australian Government’s 10 year innovation strategy, Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda.

Creating new knowledge

Universities and research organisations drive innovation with new knowledge, including knowledge in science and technology.

For information on how we are improving and expanding Australia’s research workforce, research infrastructure and research collaborations, go to research and science.


Finding new ways to do business

Transforming ideas into results

  • Commercialisation AustraliaLogoCommercialisation Australia initiative
    Helps researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative firms transform their ideas (intellectual property) into commercial ventures.
  • Innovation Investment Fund program
    A co-investment scheme for private sector fund managers. It encourages the private sector to invest in new companies commercialising Australian research and development. 

Public sector innovation

Public Sector Innovation logoThe Australian Public Service is committed to innovation in policy development, service delivery and information management. Initiatives include:

  • an online Innovation Toolkit – providing public servants with practical tools and advice
  • the Innovation Indicators Project - developing indicators to measure and report innovation performance.

Learn more about how we are improving public sector innovation.

Councils and forums

Councils and forums help the government to share innovation information, engage with key stakeholders, and coordinate and target innovation policy, activities and programs.

Resources