Research Program

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF DEFENCE TRAILBLAZER INITIATIVES

The research program provides a comprehensive evaluation of Defence Trailblazer (DTB) projects and initiatives, focusing on how they have effectively supported the identification and removal of collaboration barriers. Led by a dedicated research team, the study draws on national and international models, data collection and benchmarking, and in-depth interviews with DTB staff, university staff, and industry partners.  

The study evaluates two key areas—Institutional Reform and Culture Change, and Intellectual Property and Commercialisation: 

  1. Institutional Reform and Culture Change
    Led by UNSW researchers, this focus area explores how DTB initiatives have fostered an environment that supports defence technology commercialisation, incentivises collaboration, and promotes cultural transformation within universities through mechanisms that reward and recognise industry engagement. 
  2. Intellectual Property and Commercialisation
    Researchers at the University of Adelaide, now Adelaide University, examine how DTB has improved intellectual property management, strengthened IP sovereignty, and supported the commercialisation of defence technologies within Australia’s innovation ecosystem. 

Detailed information about the research program and the identified collaboration themes is available via the following reports: 

Meet the Team