New critical technologies list to help secure Australia’s future

209
Image credit: Zoe/stock.adobe.com

The Australian government has updated the List of Critical Technologies to support fields that will have a high impact on Australia’s national interest and help secure the country’s future. 

The new list seeks to support key enabling technology fields that will have a high impact on Australia’s national interest by providing opportunities to the economy, creating lucrative jobs, and improving the lives of Australians. 

The updated list of critical technologies includes seven key technology fields, which are namely advanced manufacturing and materials technologies; artificial intelligence technologies; advanced information and communication technologies; quantum technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing, and sensing; biotechnologies, clean energy generation and storage technologies. 

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the List of Critical Technologies builds on the government’s commitment to foster more next-generation businesses working at the forefront of Australia’s changing economy. 

“Quantum technologies, for example, are identified as a priority field within the List of Critical Technologies, and are poised to accelerate developments in sensing, communications and computing for generations to come,” Minister Husic said. 

“The list includes a new priority on clean energy generation and storage technologies. Breakthroughs in this area will be crucial in our efforts to improve energy security and achieve net zero emissions,” he added. 

A Critical Technologies Statement was also issued along with the updated list, outlining the government’s vision for maximising the opportunities and managing the risks posed by the technologies. 

The list is aligned with the government’s first National Quantim Strategy, which was released in early May. 

The Albanese Government has also allocated a $1 billion investment in critical technologies as part of the National Reconstruction Fund.