Another Meticulous Review Supporting the CRC Program

10 Sep 08

“Meticulous” has been the word employed by the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Association to describe the review of the CRC Program and its report released today by Senator Kim Carr, Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Speaking shortly after the release, the CEO of the CRCA Mr. Michael Hartmann said “This is a solid and well considered report.  The review team, under the leadership of Professor Mary O’Kane, has done a tremendous job in addressing the myriad of perspectives and opinions put forth in the course of the investigation.  Through drawing common views together Professor O’Kane has compiled a series of recommendations that will drive the continued evolution of this successful Program.

“This is the 6th time the Program has been reviewed since it was conceived 18 years ago, and once again it has passed the test.  The report highlights the positive return on investment that the Program provides its investors, particularly the Australian taxpayer.

“But by no means is the report merely a regurgitation of previous reviews and submissions.  Professor O’Kane has provided 22 recommendations to address the primary issues of concern.”

• The issues addressed by the recommendations include:
• The overall emphasis and objective of the Program;
• The need for flexibility and simplification in administration;
• CRC lifespans and lifecycles;
• Governance models and legal arrangements;
• Links and synergies with other Government Programs;
• Stronger selection, review and evaluation protocols.

Importantly, the review recommends that further funding be injected into the Program to allow it to maintain and increase its momentum.

Mr. Hartmann continued “Many of the recommendations are generally in line with the points made by the CRC Association in its submission to the review of the National Innovation System.  We agree with the refocus of the Program objective and the reclaiming of the public benefit emphasis.  We also concur with the philosophy of flexibility and the need to ensure that CRC funds are spent on research rather than being squandered on legals, transaction costs and administration.  We note with interest the ‘auxiliary’ CRC concept, and the potential for a successful CRC to morph into an ARC Centre of Excellence; and we support the drive for international collaborations.

“From the outset we have supported this review as it was always going to be about evolution rather than merely change.  The CRC Association is the representative voice of its members, and as such we will now thoroughly examine each recommendation and provide our response to the Government.
“The CRC Association welcomes this report, and commends Professor O’Kane and the review team on their approach to the task”, Mr. Hartmann concluded.

For further information contact:    
Michael Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer CRC Association         Ph 0438 081 968