Cooperative Research Centres Programme

From 2004, the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme will have a stronger commercial focus. The Australian Government is providing an additional $65 million over the six years from 2005–06.

What’s it all about?

The CRC Programme supports research partnerships between the public sector (universities and government research agencies) and the private sector (firms and industry organisations). CRCs turn their research results into commercial products and services or transfer new know-how to industry or other users. They also train researchers in the skills needed to work in industry and improve private sector R&D.

The CRC Programme was launched in 1990 and funding was increased under Backing Australia’s Ability.

An extra $65 million is now being provided for selection rounds in 2006 and 2008, as well as to fund successful applicants from the 2004 round. This builds on the $62.5 million additional funding provided in the 2003–04 Budget. A total of $925.9 million is being provided for administered grants between 2006–07 and 2010–11.

Why do it?

Recent reviews of the research and innovation system highlight the need for collaboration to bring together the expertise of different research institutions. They also confirm that Australia is good at generating new ideas but can do more to turn them into valuable products and services.

CRCs can tackle both of these needs.

A recent evaluation recommended that the programme continue but noted that in ‘submissions, discussions and consultations there was a strong view that the CRC Programme should have a much greater orientation towards commercialisation’.

For the 2004 selection round, there is a stronger focus on CRCs that will deliver industrial, commercial and economic outcomes. This benefits Australian businesses as well as the broader community by contributing to Australia’s economic growth. Researchers also stand to benefit from increased returns from their research efforts.

CRC applicants are now required to demonstrate clear paths to commercialisation and utilisation and strong industry commitment. Contributions by partner organisations must at least match programme funding. CRCs are also required to describe their contribution to achieving the National Research Priority Goals.

Providing funding now for selection rounds in 2006 and 2008 means that both existing CRCs and those developing new CRCs can plan well ahead.

Media Inquiries

Virginia Cook
Media Contact
Department of Education, Science and Training
Telephone: (+61) 412 971 323
virginia.cook@dest.gov.au

Other Inquiries

Kylie Emery
Branch Manager
Science Programmes Branch
Science Group
Department of Education, Science and Training
Telephone: (+61) 2 6240 7675
Email: kylie.emery@dest.gov.au

Further Information

Cooperative Research Centres Programme

Evaluation of the Cooperative Research Centres Programme, Howard Partners

Backing Australia's Ability: Innovation Action Plan for the Future 2001 fact sheet: Cooperative Research Centres

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