About the Discussion

Partnerships between universities and industry are vital to building a stronger, more innovative Australia. Yet too often, these collaborations are slowed by administrative complexity, cost pressures, and misaligned priorities. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the barriers can feel even higher.
 
This Global Table Discussion will bring together leaders from business, universities, and government in a hybrid format — with participants able to join either in-person at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta City Campus or online. The session will focus on practical solutions that make collaboration simpler, faster, and more impactful, ensuring partnerships deliver benefits for both universities and industry.
 

Key Themes

This discussion will examine the Australian and global experience of industry–university collaboration, focusing on practical barriers and opportunities. 

• Making engagement between industry and universities simpler and more accessible.
• Tackling time and cost pressures that slow down or block collaboration.
• Ensuring research priorities are aligned with real industry needs.
• Demonstrating how partnerships can deliver measurable value and outcomes.
• Identifying government supports and incentives that enable innovation.

Program | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm AEDT

3:00 – 3:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
 Opening by AIGRS and AICRO leadership, including Acknowledgement of Country and framing of the discussion.
 
3:10 – 3:25 | Keynote Address
 Building Stronger Industry–University Partnerships for Australia’s Future
Delivered by a senior representative from government, industry, or higher education.

3:25 – 4:40 | Global Table Roundtable Discussion
Industry–University Innovation Partnerships: From Barriers to Solutions
A moderated, interactive dialogue with invited participants from universities, industry, and government.
 
4:40 – 4:55 | Reporting and Synthesis
Moderator summarises key points, shared challenges, and emerging solutions.
 
4:55 – 5:00 | Closing Reflections & Next Steps
Final remarks and identification of actions to take forward into the Australia–Global Innovation Forum 2026.

Why Participate 

• Engage in-person or online with senior leaders across universities, government, and industry.
• Share experiences on overcoming barriers to collaboration.
• Help shape solutions that will make industry–university partnerships more effective.
• Strengthen networks that drive innovation and applied research.