Reported at www.abc.net.au: Australia faces a significant risk to its economic growth due to declining investments in research and development (R&D), with Industry Minister Ed Husic highlighting the responsibility of large businesses in this downturn.

A review led by Tesla chairwoman Robyn Denholm reveals that Australia’s R&D investment has dropped to about half the OECD average over the past 15 years, with smaller enterprises contributing more significantly than larger firms.

The situation is exacerbated by cuts in international student numbers, which are crucial for funding university research, prompting calls for increased government support for the sector.