Gov calls for review of critical technologies for economy and security

The federal government is inviting Australians to say which critical technologies will matter most to the economy and national security over the next decade.

Businesses and researchers have six weeks to make a pitch for the technologies seen as vital for Australia’s interests today or those that could become critical.

The updated List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest must put Australia at the forefront of change, create jobs and boost its reputation as a safe place to invest, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said.

“It is vital for Australia’s continued and future prosperity that emerging and critical technologies are promoted and protected,” he said.

Husic said these future technologies would accelerate Australia’s productivity growth and create well-paying jobs.

Australia must identify and understand where it strengths lay and identify any gaps, including along increasingly vulnerable supply chains, he said.

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Sectors affected range from heavy industry, mining and computing to medical research, energy and space.

The critical technologies revamp is part of a goal to reach 1.2 million technology jobs by 2030.

The government will also invest $1 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund.

The 2022 critical technologies list will build on the former administration’s list of 63 technologies across seven categories.

The current categories include advanced materials and manufacturing; artificial intelligence, computing and communications; biotechnology, gene technology and vaccines; energy and environment; quantum; sensing, timing and navigation; and transport, robotics and space.

Public consultation is scheduled to close on September 30.