The ARC's Linkage funding schemes aim to:encourage and extend cooperative approaches to research; andimprove the use of research outcomes by strengthening links within the innovation system in Australia and internationally.Linkage promotes national and international research partnerships between researchers and:business;industry;community organisations; andother publicly funded research agencies.Through these partnerships, the ARC encourages the transfer of skills, knowledge and ideas as a basis for securing commercial and other benefits of research.The Linkage schemes are:ARC Centres of ExcellenceIndustrial Transformation Research ProgramLinkage Infrastructure, Equipment and FacilitiesLinkage Learned Academies Special ProjectsLinkage ProjectsSpecial Research InitiativesEarly Career Industry FellowshipsMid-Career Industry FellowshipsIndustry Laureate FellowshipsThe National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) is currently undergoing a comprehensive review. As a result, existing programs and schemes are expected to evolve, with changes being progressively introduced to improve transparency, security, and alignment with national priorities. For information on the review, see:Update on the future of ARC funded research