Submission to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

On 29 September 2022, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia made a submission to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (the Academy) recognises the value of Australia’s Critical Technologies program and its constituting elements: action plan, technology list, and individual profiles.

Having reviewed the existing critical technology list (the List) and engaged in the stakeholder consultation workshops, the Academy recommends:

  1. Adoption of a clear and consistent definition of ‘national interest’ that includes health, environmental and cultural benefits alongside economic and national security outcomes
  2. Inclusion of social technologies as a critical technology requiring investment in sovereign capability
  3. Explicit recognition of the central role of social science knowledge and expertise in enabling the development, acceptance, and adoption of critical technologies.

Click on ‘download’ to read the submission in full.