National Innovation and Science Agenda Measures

On 7 December 2015 the Australian Government announced its National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA). The new measures within NISA have been developed to assist in boosting the commercial returns of publicly-funded research.

The ARC has an important role in implementing some of these measures, including the development and implementation of the assessment of the engagement and impact of Australian university research; and implementation of a continuous Linkage Projects scheme. 

Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI 2018)

The inaugural Engagement and Impact assessment took place in 2018 with the outcomes released on 29 March 2019. EI assesses how universities are translating their research into economic, environmental, social, cultural and other benefits and aims to create incentives for greater collaboration between universities and industry, as well as other research end-users. 

Further details are available on the Engagement and Impact Assessment information page.

Continuous Linkage Projects scheme

The Linkage Projects scheme opened for continuous submission of applications on 1 July 2016. To facilitate successful collaboration between industry and higher education institutions, applications can now be submitted at any time, allowing a shorter timeframe between application submission and outcome announcement. The continuous submission process means that applications are rigorously assessed following three submission deadlines in the ARC's Research Management System (RMS) and funding outcomes are recommended to the Minister within six months of application submission. 

Further details are available on the  Linkage Projects scheme information page.

Related media

• 29 March 2019—University research delivering real benefits for Australians 
  University research delivering real benefits for Australians—Media release issued by the Hon Dan Tehan MP
• 6 April 2018—EI 2018 Assessment Panel Chairs Announced
  EI 2018 Assessment Panel Chairs Announced—Media release issued by the ARC
• 1 November 2017—Engagement And Impact Assessment Pilot Report
  Engagement and Impact Assessment Pilot Report—Media release issued by the ARC
• 21 November 2016—2017 pilot to test impact, business engagement of researchers
  2017 pilot to test impact, business engagement of researchers—Media Release issued by Senator The Hon Simon Birmingham
• 2 May 2016—Public consultation opens for Engagement and Impact Assessment
  Public consultation opens for Engagement and Impact Assessment—Media release issued by the ARC
• 30 March 2016—Research Engagement and Impact working groups announced
  Members of two working groups that will assist in the development of a research engagement and impact assessment for Australia announced—Media release issued by the ARC
• 10 March 2016—Experts named to measure value of university research
  Experts named to measure value of university research—Media Release issued by The Hon Christopher Pyne MP and Senator The Hon Simon Birmingham
• 7 December 2015—ARC welcomes new measures to boost innovation
  ARC welcomes new measures to boost innovation—Media release issued by the ARC