Review of the National Survey of Research Commercialisation (NSRC)

A review of the NSRC (the Review) is currently being undertaken to ensure future collections are relevant, align with current and emerging priorities for research commercialisation in Australia, are targeted to sector priorities and comparable with international data sources. Consideration of new metrics including options to introduce research/industry engagement measures will be included in the scope of the review. Australia’s publicly funded research community includes universities, publicly funded research agencies, medical research institutes and other research organisations. By international standards Australia performs well in terms of research excellence and output, but poorly in translating publicly funded research into commercial outcomes . A key reason for this is the insufficient transfer of knowledge between researchers and business. Australia ranks 29th and 30th out of 30 OECD countries on the proportion of large businesses and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with higher education and public research institutions on innovation. The Australian Government is actively implementing policy incentives that will improve the translation of publicly funded research into commercial and broader public benefits. This includes 2014 budget measures such as the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme and proposals announced as part of the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda and the Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research Discussion Paper . Consistent with the policy objective to improve research industry collaboration and commercialisation and thereby lift Australia’s productivity, prosperity and international competitiveness, the Government will refocus the NSRC. This includes capturing new and robust data that will provide a comprehensive picture of research commercialisation in Australia including pathways to commercialisation. &nbsp

2011 Strategic roadmap for Australian research infrastructure

The 2011 Roadmap articulates the priority research infrastructure areas of a national scale (capability areas) to further develop Australia’s research capacity and improve innovation and research outcomes over the next five to ten years. The capability areas have been identified through considered analysis of input provided by stakeholders, in conjunction with specialist advice from Expert Working Groups   It is intended the Strategic Framework will provide a high-level policy framework, which will include principles to guide the development of policy advice and the design of programs related to the funding of research infrastructure by the Australian Government. Roadmapping has been identified in the Strategic Framework Discussion Paper as the most appropriate prioritisation mechanism for national, collaborative research infrastructure. The strategic identification of Capability areas through a consultative roadmapping process was also validated in the report of the 2010 NCRIS Evaluation. The 2011 Roadmap is primarily concerned with medium to large-scale research infrastructure. However, any landmark infrastructure (typically involving an investment in excess of $100 million over five years from the Australian Government) requirements identified in this process will be noted. NRIC has also developed a ‘Process to identify and prioritise Australian Government landmark research infrastructure investments’ which is currently under consideration by the government as part of broader deliberations relating to research infrastructure. NRIC will have strategic oversight of the development of the 2011 Roadmap as part of its overall policy view of research infrastructure

Wave Energy Study Breakwater Device 2Gw Power Station Reference Design 1980

In 1978 a report was submitted by National Engineering Laboratory to the Department of Energy on a floating version of the Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Device (Reference 1). It was apparent that such a concept, while havi~g simple and robust structure and plant, would have problems (in common with all other floating wave energy devices) with moorings and electrical umbilical systems since these lay beyond current technology. These elements amounted to approximately one fifth of the capital and maintenance costs, and it was evident that a fixed bottom mounted (breakwater type) device would therefore be 1worthy of investigation. Accordingly this report sets out the results of a study of the bottom standing concept and concludes that such a device when fully developed would have a part to play in any wave power programme. The Breakwater Device does not require the development of revolutionary technology or materials for its design, construction or operation. It eliminates the need for new and untried mooring methods or materials. Its fixity enables existing rigid type underwater electrical cables to satisfy the power transmission requirements, therefore obviating one of the main problem areas. The structure is now designed to have a low material content. There is also some potential for increased power output using active valve control. Plant and structure maintenance is greatly simplified by fixing the structure, thereby providing both a stable base for onboard work and adjacent sheltered water for crane and maintenance vessels. The design concept reported herein demonstrates both the practicability and viability of this approach and highlights areas where additional information and research would benefit the scheme