In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath sits down with David Martin, Director for Innovation and Emerging Technologies at the Australian Industry Group, to unpack the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) - a once-in-a-generation review commissioned by Government but steered by an independent panel of industry leaders. The review takes a fresh look at how Australia supports research, innovation, and commercialisation.
 
They explore why Australia, despite its world-class research institutions, continues to lag behind in business R&D investment and commercialisation. The conversation covers:

• Why Australia’s venture capital market remains risk-averse and how that limits startups and scaleups.
• The 150+ fragmented government programs that confuse rather than connect.
• Proposals such as an Intellectual Property Bank to simplify how university-generated research reaches industry.
• The need for a Ministerial Council for Innovation to improve coordination between federal and state governments.
• How regulation, skills shortages, and short political cycles are stifling productivity and long-term innovation.

This discussion offers a candid look at the real barriers to innovation and what it will take for Australia to finally turn great ideas into great industries.

All three SERD submissions by the Australian Industry Group are available here.

In this episode, Louise McGrath and Dr Jeffrey Wilson unpack a new report by the Australian Industry Group titled Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chains. The report explores the impact of recent trade tariffs on Australian industries, and the hosts delve into the strategies businesses are adopting to manage ongoing supply chain disruptions. They also highlight the critical need to strengthen Australia’s engagement with Asia, including improving language education and cultural literacy, to unlock greater trade opportunities in the region. 

Key Takeaways 

• Trade tariffs have introduced uncertainty, influencing investment decisions across Australian industries. 
• Supply chain disruptions remain a major concern for manufacturers, exacerbated by tariff-related pressures.
• Australian manufacturers are increasingly investing in digital logistics technologies to improve resilience. 
• The concept of “grey tape” refers to indirect regulatory burdens that complicate business operations. 
• Asian language education in Australia is in decline, posing a challenge to regional engagement. 
• Cultural literacy is vital for building meaningful connections with Asian markets. 
• The New Colombo Plan is a promising initiative for fostering ties with Asia, but further efforts are needed.

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Dr Jeffrey Wilson explore the complexities of Australia’s economic landscape, including challenges posed by time zones, public holidays, and the need for a unified economic market. They examine trade agreements - particularly those with New Zealand and ASEAN - and highlight the growing importance of digitalisation in trade processes.

The conversation also includes an update from the recent East Asia Business Council meetings in Malaysia, held on the margins of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meetings. Key topics include demographic challenges across the region and the impact of global trade policies, especially those originating from the US.

Key takeaways

• Australia’s time zone differences present significant business challenges.
• Public holidays vary widely across states, affecting productivity.
• The TTMRA aims to establish a single economic market between Australia and New Zealand.
• Trade agreements such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) are vital for regional economic cooperation.
• Digitalisation in trade can reduce corruption and enhance efficiency.
• Youth demographics in Asia offer both opportunities and challenges.
• US tariffs disproportionately affect Asian economies.
• Machine-to-machine communication is essential for modern trade.
• ASEAN’s focus on small businesses provides a valuable model for Australia.
• The focus on small businesses in ASEAN is a model for Australia.

Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

The Economic Impact of Barcodes

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Marcel Sieira, Chief Operating Officer of GS1 Australia, about the critical role of supply chain data standards in today's economy. 

They discuss the history and importance of barcodes, the significant economic impact of these standards, and real-world applications in various sectors such as retail and healthcare. 

The conversation also explores future innovations in supply chain standards, barriers to adoption, and common misconceptions about GS1.

In this episode, Louise McGrath and Tennant Reed discuss the implications of Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target, focusing on how various industries can adapt to meet these goals. They explore the unique challenges faced by different sectors, the importance of carbon border adjustments, and the need for supportive policies to facilitate a smooth transition towards decarbonisation.

The conversation emphasises the potential for decarbonisation to serve as a competitive advantage for Australian industry, provided that the right strategies and investments are made.

Takeaways:

• The 2035 emissions target is a significant challenge for industry.
• Different sectors face unique challenges in reducing emissions.
• Investors expect returns while companies reduce emissions.
• The safeguard mechanism provides both incentives and penalties.
• Carbon border adjustments are crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
• Decarbonisation can be a competitive advantage if managed well.
• A reliable supply of zero emissions electricity is essential.
• Tax incentives can facilitate industry upgrades.
• Policymakers need to prioritize clear objectives for projects.
• Fundamental process changes may be necessary for effective decarbonisation.

Australian Industry Group comment: The challenging next step to net zero

Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Jeffrey Wilson explore the evolving dynamics of gender participation in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing.

Contrary to conventional narratives, new research reveals these sectors are leading the way in closing the gender participation gap, driven by automation, safety improvements, and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. These changes are not only making workplaces safer and more inclusive but also enabling older women to remain in the workforce longer, challenging outdated assumptions about physical labor and gender roles.

In this fascinating conversation, Louise and Jeffrey cover:

• Gender participation trends in industrial sectors
• Impact of automation and Industry 4.0 on workforce diversity
• Modular housing 
• Strategic Examination of R&D and funding challenges
• Importance of process innovation vs. product innovation
• Regulatory inefficiencies and the need for a single economic market

Chief Executive of The Australian Industry Group Innes Willox joins Louise and Jeff to cover some of the key outcomes of the Treasurers Economic Reform Roundtable including International Trade, Single Economic Market, State Regulation and Tax reform. 

More detail on some of our policy work can be found on the Economic Reform Roundtable page.

Remember to email [email protected] to submit your questions.

Jeff is joined by Tennant Reed and David Martin to energy and R&D - two make or break issues for Australia's economic aspirations. Why is getting things done so hard, and how can we go from simply wanting 'more please' to real change?

Louise and Jeff discuss the role of manufacturing in Australia and our recent report into the state of the sector. 

An important part of manufacturing productivity is material productivity and they run through key recommendations of our submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable.

In this episode, we dive into rare insights from the public service’s unfiltered views on housing, tax reform, and global economic risks. 

We explore Treasury’s blunt assessment that Australia’s housing targets are unlikely to be met, the urgent need for tax reform to boost workforce participation, and concerning scenarios around US economic volatility. 

Louise and Jeff also discuss how Ai Group is preparing for the upcoming Productivity Summit.