The Australian Government's Innovation Report

Pakistan Farmers with wide raised beds.
Photo credits: ACIAR
Water management in China.
Photo credits: ACIAR
ACIAR commissions research groups and institutions including universities, CSIRO and state agricultural departments
of primary industry, private consultants and non-government agencies to carry out agricultural research projects
in partnership with their counterparts in developing countries. Key activities include:
• commissioning research into improving sustainable agricultural production in developing countries;
• funding project-related training (postgraduate and short training courses);
• communicating the results of research;
• conducting and funding development activities related to research programmes; and
• administering the Australian Government’s contribution to the International Agricultural Research Centres.
Future directions will emphasise:
• a greater focus on the achievement of community impacts;
• continued alignment with stakeholder priorities including national research priorities;
• investments focused in areas with a high probability of achieving sustainable development;
• enhanced accountability and transparency around the project investment portfolio; and
• active participation in the whole-of-government agenda.
During 2005-06 ACIAR invested in 297 international research partnerships. Australian benefits extend to crop and
livestock sciences, capture and culture fisheries, forestry, land and water resources and post harvest technology.
ACIAR is also involved with economic and policy research in a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the
adoption of improved technologies, practices, policies and systems.
In 2005-06 funding of $1.54 million was expended on John Allwright Fellowships for postgraduate studies in
Australian universities, with 57 active fellowships in relevant subjects covering 14 partner countries. These courses
are supplemented with other awards for skills development in areas such as research management and
extension and research project design. ACIAR also communicates the results of the research it funds to a wide
range of audiences though a suite of scientific publications and various targeted communications activities.
Chapter 2 - Initiatives for a dynamic national innovation system 53