The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Programme
was established by the Australian Government in 1990 and is
administered under the Department of Education, Science and
Training. The objective of the program is 'to enhance
Australia's industrial, commercial and economic growth through the
development of sustained, user-driven, cooperative public-private
research centres that achieve high levels of outcomes in adoption
and commercialisation'.
The CRC Programme links
researchers with industry to focus efforts on progress towards
research that can be readily used and commercialised.
The close interaction
between researchers and the users of research is a key feature of
the program. Another feature is industry contribution to CRC
education programs to produce industry-ready graduates.
There are currently 57 CRCs
operating in six sectors: environment (14), agriculture and
rural-based manufacturing (15), information and communication
technology (5), mining and energy (7), medical science and
technology (8) and manufacturing technology (8).
Further
information:
DEST CRC
Programme
www.crc.gov.au/Information/default.aspx
CRC
Association
www.crca.asn.au
The CRC Association represents CRCs around Australia on issues
of generic importance to CRCs and their operation, promotion of
CRCs and the CRC Programme in general, and as a forum for members
to share experiences and practices.
