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Collaboration

Further Information

Industry and DSTO

DSTO works closely with Australian industry and the science and technology community to enhance its ability to support Australia's defence capabilities and contribute to the national wealth.

Engaging with industry is a priority for DSTO.
Engaging with industry is a priority for DSTO.

In collaborating with industry, DSTO has the following objectives:

  • To assist industry to become better able to support the capabilities needed to defend Australia and contribute to national wealth
  • To enhance Defence capabilities by working with industry, universities and other research organisations.

DSTO seeks to exploit opportunities to transfer its intellectual property to Australian industry.

DSTO’s Science Industry and External Relations Branch is responsible for interaction with Australian industry and other research bodies.  It contributes to Defence industry policy initiatives and the creation of national wealth by transferring intellectual property to industry and commercialising DSTO technologies and services.

The Branch includes the DSTO Business and Commercialisation Office (BCO).  The BCO works to continually enhance DSTO’s relationship with its industry partners. 

Considerations for Industry when Engaging with DSTO

  • DSTO is primarily focused on research for Defence purposes.
  • DSTO spends a considerable proportion of its budget sourcing research and technical support from industry, and other research organisations, particularly universities, through contract R&D, collaborative and commercial arrangements.
  • DSTO is a large and diverse science and technology organisation, active in a range of scientific fields.
  • DSTO’s industry engagements are both national and international, although the primary focus is on Australian industry.
  • Much Defence-related technology is subject to export controls, so that on occasions overseas commercial markets for certain technologies may be limited to particular countries.
  • DSTO may share its research/technology with allied governments.
  • Contract negotiations may be time consuming and the Australian Government requires DSTO to adhere to strict indemnity, liability and IP provisions that SME’s may not be able to meet.