Elsevier has released a landmark report that maps, for the first time, the alignment between university research strengths and the economic specializations of South Australia’s industry sectors.
The study, commissioned by Adelaide University, has leveraged Elsevier’s analytical expertise to establish an evidence-based framework aimed at directing investment and collaboration to promote innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth across South Australia.
The report, 'Strengthening South Australia’s Economy through Strategic Alignment Between Research and Industry,' has introduced a new data-driven framework for stakeholders by integrating economic data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics with advanced bibliometric analysis. The approach identifies intersections between research and industry as well as opportunities for maximizing economic impact.
Elsevier’s analysis has focused on Adelaide University’s five Signature Research Themes (SRTs) as focal areas for academic-industry partnerships that align with South Australia’s economic priorities:
Defence & National Security: South Australia’s defence, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing sectors are supported by university expertise in engineering, artificial intelligence, and systems integration. The report has noted that enhancing research engagement in shipbuilding, telecommunications, and enabling defence technologies will be vital for strengthening future capability.
Sustainable Green Transition: The university’s leadership in water management, waste innovation, and clean energy is closely aligned with the state’s renewable energy and net-zero goals. The report has emphasized that expanding research focus on electricity, gas, and hydrogen could further accelerate South Australia’s green transition.
Personal & Societal Health: Health care, as the state’s largest and fastest-growing sector, benefits from strong university-industry collaboration in medical services, aged care, and biomanufacturing. The analysis has highlighted additional opportunities for partnership in hospital innovation and digital health.
Creative & Cultural: Adelaide’s role as a cultural hub is supported by university research in digital creativity, design, and cultural infrastructure. The report has recommended improved recognition of non-traditional research outputs to strengthen this sector further.
These five SRTs form part of Adelaide University’s Research Strategy, which aims to accelerate large-scale research and its commercialisation.
For policymakers, industry leaders, and research institutions across Australia, the Elsevier report has provided a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of where research can most effectively support economic growth. The framework enables targeted investments, high-impact partnerships, and the development of competitive innovation ecosystems. The methodology offers a national model for maximising returns on research investment and converting academic excellence into economic and social outcomes. The full report is available at Elsevier’s website.
Professor Anton PJ Middelberg FTSE FNAI, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Adelaide University, has highlighted that the collaboration with Elsevier has enabled the integration of disparate data sources to identify connections between research capacity and economic activity, allowing the university to focus its resources more strategically to enhance productivity and impact.
Dr. Nick Fowler, Elsevier’s Chief Academic Officer, has explained that the analysis demonstrates how systematic alignment between research strengths and industry priorities can advance South Australia’s economic transformation. He has indicated that the report underscores the region’s interdisciplinary strengths in artificial intelligence, engineering, health, and creative industries as foundations for a resilient and globally competitive economy.
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