Government consults on critical technology list

The Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) is calling for industry and public comment before finalising an updated list of technologies considered critical to the national interest. The updated list will identify current and emerging technologies that are critical for Australia today or could become critical within the next 10 years.

It will be an update of the current list of 63 current and emerging technologies with the capacity to significantly enhance or pose a risk to Australia’s economic prosperity, social cohesion and national security. This was drawn up in consultation with DSTG and published in 2021.

For information about this consultation or to participate, please contact techfutures@dst.defence.gov.au. 

The 63 technologies fall under seven broad headings:

• Advanced materials and manufacturing
• AI, computing and communications
• Biotechnology, gene technology and vaccines
• Energy and the environment
• Quantum
• Sensing, timing and navigation
• Transportation, robotics and space

The list underpins the government’s efforts to promote Australia as a secure nation of excellence for investment, research, innovation, collaboration and adoption of critical technologies – globally and in our region; ensure secure supply chains for critical technologies; reach the goal of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030; and maintain the integrity of Australia’s research, science, ideas, information, and capabilities – enabling Australian industries to thrive, and maximise the value for our nation from critical technologies.

The updated list will support the government’s previously announced $1 billion Critical Technology Fund which will in turn be part of a broader National Reconstruction Fund. This will be an investment in building strategic capability in Australia, powering economic growth and creating jobs. It will support home-grown innovation and value creation in areas like AI, robotics and quantum. The government has also committed to a goal of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.