Community-Based Research in Australian Universities: Reflections on National Policy, Institutional Strategy, and Research Practice

Abstract

There is no question, from both anecdotal and university reports, that Australian universities currently contribute much to industry, communities, and public policy through diverse interactions between science and society (Davis, 2013). However, this activity is not well articulated, and there are increasing references to missed opportunities for economic and social development. National policy direction is lacking, and rarely is there a clear strategic institutional framework within individual universities to guide such interactions (Cuthill, 2011). These policy and institutional deficits are evidenced downstream through capacity and motivational issues across the Australian higher education workforce (Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP), 2012). In this context, it is argued that the innovation potential of Australian universities is not being effectively utilized to support socioeconomic development (Table 9.1).