Review of closer collaboration between universities and major publicly funded research agencies

This review investigated collaborative activities between publicly funded research agencies (PFRA) and universities, with the objectives of improving research outcomes.  These outcomes ranged from more efficient use of resources through enhanced critical mass and strengthened institutional performance. The review covered the four major PFRAs (CSIRO, DSTO, ANSTO and AIMS), along with all the publicly-funded universities which undertake research and postgraduate research training. Submissions commenting on these issues have been received from key stakeholders as well as other government and non-government agencies, individuals and academic societies. The report addresses issues under the four key themes of collaboration, strategic coordination, funding models and route to end use.

The review found that the current level of collaboration is extensive between PFRAs and universities, particularly at the individual researcher level. However, there are opportunities to enhance the level of collaboration at the organisational and higher strategic level; therefore a new body, with the function of providing comprehensive advice to Government with overarching strategic policy assessment and coordination, should be established to encourage this collaboration.

Other major recommendations include:

• prior to any major capital expenditure by a PFRA or university, co-location with an appropriate research provider will be the default position;
• a Strategic Research Council should be established to enhance collaboration and coordination across the research system;
• a performance measurement framework be introduced as a priority for PFRAs, universities and other science-based organisations and funding programmes;
• a contestable Collaboration Fund be established to finance world-class Centres of Excellence;
• an expert group reconsider the National Principles of IP Management for Publicly Funded Research, including ways to publicise the Principles more widely to encourage greater utilisation.