The Australian Government has unveiled an updated and comprehensive List of Critical Technologies that aims to safeguard and enhance Australia’s future.
This revised list comprises seven key technology fields that can influence Australia’s national interest, including:
- Economic prosperity
- National security
- Social cohesion.
Advanced manufacturing and materials technologies:
- Additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, revolutionises production processes and enables rapid prototyping and customisation.
- Critical minerals extraction and processing focuses on obtaining and refining essential minerals used in various industries.
- Advanced composite materials offer superior strength, durability, and lightweight properties for applications across sectors like aerospace and automotive.
- High-specification machining processes encompass advanced techniques for precise and efficient material removal.
- Semiconductors and advanced integrated circuit design and manufacture play a crucial role in electronic devices and technology-driven sectors.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies:
- Machine learning, including neural networks and deep learning, which enables computers to learn and improve performance without explicit programming.
- AI algorithms and hardware accelerators facilitate faster and more efficient processing of AI tasks.
- Natural language processing, including speech and text recognition, analysis, and generation, enhances human-computer interaction and language understanding.
Advanced information and communication technologies:
- Advanced data analytics, enables organisations to extract valuable insights from large datasets for informed decision-making.
- Advanced optical communications employ light-based technologies for high-speed and reliable data transmission.
- Advanced radio frequency communications, including 5G and 6G, provide faster and more reliable wireless communication networks.
- High-performance computing, enhancing computational capabilities to solve complex problems efficiently.
- Protective cyber security technologies essential for safeguarding digital systems and infrastructure from cyber threats.
- Virtual worlds, encompassing technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality that offer immersive and interactive experiences.
Quantum technologies:
- Quantum computing, harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex computations that surpass classical computers’ capabilities.
- Post-quantum cryptography, developing encryption methods resistant to attacks from quantum computers.
- Quantum communications enabling secure transmission of information using quantum properties like entanglement.
- Quantum sensors, providing highly precise measurements for applications ranging from navigation to medical diagnostics.
Autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing, and sensing:
- Advanced robotics, encompassing robotic systems capable of autonomous operation and interaction with the environment.
- Autonomous systems operation technology, enabling self-governance and decision-making in unmanned vehicles and systems.
- Drones, swarming, and collaborative robots, offering versatile and efficient solutions for tasks such as surveillance, delivery, and industrial automation.
- Advanced imaging technology, including advanced sensors and cameras for high-resolution imaging and computer vision applications.
- Advanced sensor technologies, facilitating accurate data collection and measurement in various domains.
- Satellite and positioning technologies, supporting precise positioning, navigation, and timing services.
- Advanced aerospace technologies, encompassing propulsion, hypersonics, and guidance systems for space exploration and defense applications.
- Nuclear technologies, utilized for submarine propulsion and waste management in a safe and sustainable manner.
Biotechnologies:
- Synthetic biology, including biological manufacturing, combining biology and engineering to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems.
- Neural engineering and brain-computer interfaces enable direct communication and interaction between the brain and external devices.
- Genome and genetic sequencing and analysis, providing insights into genetic information for medical research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
- Vaccines and medical countermeasures, involving the development and production of effective vaccines and treatments for diseases.
- Novel medicines, including nuclear, antiviral, and antibiotic, expanding the range of therapeutic options and address emerging healthcare challenges.
Clean energy generation and storage technologies:
- Emissions reduction technologies, focusing on innovative solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- Advanced energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries and energy storage systems, enabling efficient and reliable storage of renewable energy.
- Directed-energy technologies, involving the use of laser or particle beams for various applications, including defense and industrial processes.
- Large-scale renewable energy generation, harnessing renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to sustainably meet the growing energy demand.
- Low-emission alternative fuels, including biofuels, offering greener alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
- Small-scale distributed energy harvesting, enabling the capture and utilization of energy from decentralized sources, such as solar panels on buildings.
The Critical Technologies Statement, accompanying the Australian Government’s initiatives, provides a comprehensive vision for capitalizing on the potential benefits and effectively addressing the challenges associated with these crucial technologies.
Among the various clusters of critical technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics stand out as catalysts for increased productivity within businesses across the nation. Furthermore, these fields offer substantial opportunities for the creation of well-paid jobs, ensuring economic growth and prosperity.
This updated list of critical technologies aligns harmoniously with the Government’s initial National Quantum Strategy, which was recently unveiled. By integrating these strategic approaches, Australia aims to fortify its position as a global leader in quantum technologies.
Unlocking Australia’s Potential
In order to foster further growth and advancement within the critical technologies sector, the Government has introduced the National Reconstruction Fund. With a specific focus on critical technologies, this initiative has set a target of $1 billion in investment, serving as a powerful catalyst for innovation, research, and development in these pivotal areas.
The benefits of critical technologies for Australia are extensive, ranging from the creation of well-paid and secure jobs to attracting investments and driving innovation across industries. They also hold the potential to revitalize the manufacturing sector, enhance supply chain reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to national and regional security, and improve the health and well-being of Australians.
According to Ed Husic, the Minister for Industry and Science, quantum technologies have been recognized as a top priority within the List of Critical Technologies. He highlights the immense potential of quantum technologies to drive advancements in sensing, communications, and computing for future generations.
“Advanced analytics can spot genetic patterns that humans can’t, leading to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating rare diseases,” he said.
“The list includes a new priority on clean energy generation and storage technologies. Breakthroughs in this area will be crucial in improving energy security and achieving net zero emissions.
“The Government is also targeting $1 billion of investment in critical technologies through the National Reconstruction Fund, which will further bolster Australia’s industry and economy.”
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