Insights Lab

Australia’s manufacturing sector has a proud history, quietly over-achieving in terms of R&D investment and innovation activity over many years.

In our latest analysis, we deep-dive into recent data from ABS reports and government programs to provide a snapshot on where Australia’s manufacturing sector currently stands in the face of emerging local and global challenges.

A significantly updated version of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) application form was officially released on 15 August 2025. The new form is now available (and is mandatory) when you are seeking to register your R&D activities via the R&DTI portal for FY25 and beyond.

The R&D Tax Incentive is a vital source of funding for Australia’s life sciences sector, but getting it right requires careful planning and consideration. From grant interactions and IP cost eligibility to capital raises and foreign ownership, we’ve outlined 10 critical issues to think about before you lodge.

The Queensland Government’s 2025–26 Budget was handed down this week, representing the first Budget under the new Crisafulli LNP Government. We’ve prepared a sector by sector overview of what’s in store for your business.

Australia has long grappled with the so-called "commercialisation gap”, a persistent disconnect between the quality of our research and the extent to which it’s translated into economic impact. A new report from CSIRO provides an up to date picture of what outcomes can (and can’t) be expected from government programs designed to support it.

From the $22.7B Future Made in Australia agenda to the promise of new funding for innovation, manufacturing, and SMEs, the re-election of the Albanese Labor government is expected to see a raft of programs and policies implemented to support Australian businesses. We've summarised what the next term has in store with a focus on the already announced support for its national industry priorities, as well as policies and programs that might further R&D and innovation.

The R&D Tax Incentive expressly excludes certain activities from qualifying as ‘core R&D activities’. However, these excluded activities can still qualify as supporting R&D activities if a sufficient nexus to the conduct of the core R&D activity can be established. A recent Administrative Review Tribunal ruling has helpfully clarified that medical and health related research, even when involving behavioural aspects, is not excluded and is capable of being registered as an eligible core R&D activity.