CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Australia

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) works with leading organisations around the world. From its headquarters in Canberra, CSIRO maintains more than 50 sites across Australia and in France, Chile and the United States, employing about 5,500 people.

The Advisory Council of Science and Industry was established in 1916 but was hampered by insufficient available finance. In 1926, the research effort was reinvigorated by establishment of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), it grew rapidly and achieved significant early successes. In 1949, further legislated changes included renaming the organisation as CSIRO.

Notable developments by CSIRO have included the invention of atomic absorption spectroscopy, essential components of the early Wi-Fi technology, development of the first commercially successful polymer banknote, the invention of the insect repellent in Aerogard and the introduction of a series of biological controls into Australia, such as the introduction of myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus for the control of rabbit populations.

CSIRO delivers research and technology needed to address national challenges. However, missions are focused on complex problems that demand broader sociotechnical responses and capability. The missions leverage capacity across the innovation system by convening, partnering, and integrating with others to achieve holistic solutions.

They are flexible in their collaboration approach. These approaches are specified by the activities and stakeholder preferences for the problems being tackled. By being flexible, the intention is to limit barriers for engagement with those who have a critical role in building solutions.