The federal government has unveiled a new science statement and accompanying priorities that include a focus on harnessing artificial intelligence for good and preparing for its impact.
Minister for Industry Ed Husic released new versions of Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities, which will guide the nation’s public and private research focus and investment over the next decade.
The statements place the country’s science and research sectors in the centre of the Labor government’s flagship Future Made in Australia policy, and at the forefront of the industrial transformation.
It’s the first update to the science statement and priorities in nearly 10 years since the former Abbott government revamped the documents and will run for the next decade.
For the first time, they include a particular focus on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
A key area of focus under the plan will be research that advances critical technologies such as AI, quantum and robotics to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions in environmentally responsible ways.
Investment will also be funnelled into research that addresses technology design frameworks, including for AI, that “increase democratic resilience and reduce risks to social cohesion, economic prosperity and national security”.
“Great ideas of our scientists and researchers lead to great products and great jobs,” Husic said.
“We want science to drive industry growth, creating stronger businesses and more secure, well-paid jobs for Australians.”
The statement was designed by Chief Scientist Cath Foley and is based on nearly 500 submissions from stakeholders, 30 roundtables held across the country, and a further 23 workshops.
“I found a remarkable consensus among the Australians I met around the country during the national conversation to develop these priorities,” Foley said.
“It’s fantastic to know that Australians share this ambition for the country we want to be – one that protects our unique environment, moves quickly to clean energy in a way that creates new industries and maintains prosperity, ensures everyone has access to advanced healthcare no matter where they live, and protects the strength of our democracy.”
Shaping science and tech effort and investment
The National Science Statement provides a framework to shape science policy and leadership across the public sector and in labs, research institutions and boardrooms.
“Through science and innovation, Australia will develop new industries that drive a dynamic economy, provide well paid jobs, improve our quality of life, preserve our unique environment and build a future made in Australia,” the statement begins.
It includes five imperatives which will be used to shape science investment over the coming decade: Australian scientists, science institutions and infrastructure shaping Australia’s science future; science at the centre of Australian industry; a diverse, skilled workforce to underpin the translation of science into new industries; embracing science to drive Australia’s regional and global interests; and a science system prepared for future challenges.
This statement is supported by the National Science and Research Priorities, which aim to align efforts and investments across science, research, technology, innovation and commercialisation.
There are five key priorities: transitioning to a net-zero future; supporting healthy and thriving communities; elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems; protecting and restoring Australia’s environment; and building a secure and resilient nation.
This marks the first time that Indigenous knowledge systems have been elevated in the national science priorities.
The new statement and priorities have been welcomed by a number of industry organisations.
Science and Technology Australia CEO Ryan Winn said they “lay out a pathway to the innovative, prosperous country we want and need to be”.
“[They] will help position science as central to government and policy decision-making to secure Australia’s economic future,” Winn said.
“By focusing on key strengths where Australian research and researchers are already excelling which are also strategically important to the country the two documents can help guide investment in research and researchers.”
The Australian Academy of Science also welcomed the documents, but said they are just the “important first step”.
“It’s imperative that the priorities are backed by a robust implementation plan that clarifies how ministers across government, and the industry and research sectors, can use the levers available to them to turn words into action,” Academy president Professor Chennupati Jagadish said.
“If the government is serious about implementing its core industrial policy, it will be serious about implementing the National Science and Research Priorities.”
