The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the invitation from the Australian Government to consult on the importance of partnerships and commercialisation of research, following release of the government’s consultation paper on a University Research Commercialisation scheme.
The chair of RUN and vice-chancellor of CQUniversity, Professor Nick Klomp, said that it is important that further commercialisation of university research is encouraged and supported, especially given the high standard of research and development emanating from Australia’s university sector.
“Regional universities in Australia already produce highly relevant solutions to complex challenges faced by industry and community, because of the applied nature of much of our research, and the willingness to form meaningful partnerships with business and government,” Professor Klomp said.
“Any opportunity to support commercialisation opportunities stemming from this research would be welcome. I look forward to being able demonstrate the capabilities of regional universities in this space through further discussions with government.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the population movement away from some capital cities to regional centres provides an opportunity to further develop even more links between regional universities and industry,” Professor Klomp said.
“RUN universities undertake research ranked at the highest levels of excellence in highly applied areas including: agriculture; environmental science; human movement and sports science; health science; mathematical science; and engineering.
“We recognise the importance of translating research outputs to benefit Australians, and the contribution of regional universities would be enhanced by place-based initiatives to encourage further commercialisation of our research, including in the context of decentralisation,” Professor Klomp said.
“RUN member universities are fundamental to growing regional economies and we look forward to participating in the consultation process.”
