Submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development – National Coordination for RDI&I Impact Policy Paper
A high performing research, development and innovation (RD&I) system is more than a matter of simply producing and commercialising new goods and services. The system must also coalesce around clear priorities that consider how RD&I can address broader economic and societal goals.
In September 2025, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia made a submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development – National Coordination for RDI&I Impact Policy Paper. In principle, the Academy supports the model for improved coordination of RD&I and a governance structure that seeks to overcome fragmentation, enhance the impact and efficiency of RD&I spending, and deliver on a broad range of economic and societal goals. However, the proposed approach reveals a tension between these highly instructive processes and a desired culture of agility, innovation and risk-taking in RD&I initiatives if these are to quickly and successfully grasp new opportunities.
Noting the complexity and risk involved in implementing system-level change, the Academy provides four recommendations for consideration.
Click on ‘download’ to read the submission in full.