By Robert Clark and Peter Jennings
The recent AUSMIN cabinet-level meeting between Australia and the US pointed to the growing importance of ‘collaboration on civilian science, technology, and innovation’ as being critical to ‘develop new industries, drive economic growth, and enhance [Defence] readiness’.
Increasingly our university sector is being looked to to develop the critical ‘enabling technologies’ that provide a capability edge, not only for important defence projects but also for a wide range of broader national security needs.
Released just prior to AUSMIN, the government’s new strategic update focuses not just on major defence equipment upgrades but also redoubles efforts on science and technology.