The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) has commenced operations to deliver advanced technologies needed for Australia’s national security.
Australia’s strategic environment, made more uncertain by rapid technological development, demands a transformation of the defence innovation system to provide vital capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
ASCA will take a new and ambitious approach to transitioning game changing ideas into capabilities that give the soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the ADF an asymmetric advantage.
It will depend on experts from inside and outside of Defence to lead targeted missions that respond to problem statements in order to solve some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
This approach will call upon the best innovators from across the country to work in partnership with industry and academia to rapidly deliver highly targeted disruptive technologies.
The focus this month is on engagement though the Australian defence science and university networks, shortly followed by state based industry forums hosted by Interim Head, Professor Emily Hilder.
These sessions will establish a culture of collaboration that will inform future partnerships and provide an opportunity to hear more about how to be a part of accelerating Defence capability.
The Albanese Government is investing $748 million in ASCA over the next four years, and $3.4 billion over the next decade. This is an additional $591 million above planned spending on defence innovation over the decade.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“The Accelerator is up and running less than three months since the Government received the Defence Strategic Review.
“It will unlock and ignite innovation from across the nation, bringing together the best experts from different sectors – driving change from within Defence to move at the pace and scale we need.
“This will mean faster acquisition and better links between Defence and industry to deliver the capabilities the soldiers, sailors and aviators of the Australian Defence Force need.”
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Anything that gives an opportunity for Australian Industry a chance to show what they are able to bring to the table, is great news but I’m not clear on what it is supposed to do. Is it a forum that assists Manufacturers to provide actual Defence Work or a series of seminars designed to help Manufacturers learn to collaborate on projects. The name suggests to me that acquiring Defence Assets quickly is the purpose but does that mean initiating Australian Manufacturing involvement or justification to buy OTS . I sincerely hope that the ASCA is not just another Government Committee set up to appear like they are doing something.
You are not the only person who is confused.
Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator?
Why do I get an image in my head of a hamster in some backroom of the DoD frantically spinning away on his wheel?
Just sounds like more jobs for more mates with no actual aim in mind
Great blog post! I’m glad to see the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator is up and running to drive defence innovation.