Aligning Adelaide’s research with South Australia’s industry needs

South Australia (SA) is undergoing a bold, government-driven transformation to secure its economic future, centred on a vision of a knowledge-driven and sustainable growth.

At the heart of this reform agenda is the landmark merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, creating the new Adelaide University. It will be one of Australia’s largest universities, poised to contribute approximately $4.7 billion annually to the national economy with research expenditure of $500 million per annum.

Adelaide University and Elsevier collaborated on this analysis, with the goal of positioning Adelaide University as an engine for innovation, productivity, and growth in South Australia.

University–industry alignments:

• Agriculture: South Australia’s economic specialisation in this primary industry aligns with Adelaide University’s research focus, supported by major translational programs in crop genomics, viticulture, and livestock systems at the Waite and Roseworthy campuses.

• Beverage product manufacturing: is SA’s most specialised industry subdivision and benefits from deep research engagement. Adelaide University is strongly specialised in this area, collaborating with international producers, the Australian Wine Research Institute and regional SMEs.

Strategic opportunities for economic complexification:

• Aquaculture and fishing are dynamic growth subindustries in SA, nationally recognised for high-value, export-oriented seafood. However, aquaculture R&D is mainly led by state government agencies, with limited involvement from Adelaide University—presenting a strategic opportunity for greater university engagement.

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing support services is a rapidly evolving, highly specialised sector in SA with growing innovation in technical services (e.g., precision agronomy, drone spraying, and agri-data analytics), but Adelaide University’s research focus here is only moderate. Expanding applied and service-oriented research in

  this area offers strong potential for economic growth and diversification.

• Food product manufacturing is economically specialised in SA, but Adelaide University’s research focus is below the national level. Bridging this gap offers a strategic opportunity to add value to agricultural production

  and strengthen regional food manufacturing and export competitiveness.

Potential to drive R&D in defence shipbuilding and related defence fields:

• Transport equipment manufacturing is keyto SA’s shipbuilding revival. Although overall state specialisation is below the national level, Shipbuilding and Repair Services within this sector are highly specialised. Adelaide University currently lacks specialisation here, indicating a need for greater alignment.

Critical enablers of the defence industry:

• Telecommunications services and Internet/data processing services: These globally tech-intensive sectors are not yet above national specialisation for the state but support critical infrastructure for defence communications and space connectivity. Adelaide University’s research focus is currently limited, but there is a latent opportunity for university-led uplift in telecommunications and secure network systems.

University–industry alignments exist in water and waste services:

• Water supply, sewerage and drainage services are highly specialised in both SA’s economy and Adelaide University’s research, reflecting a shared focus on water security and innovation. The university’s expertise and strong industry partnerships make this a model of effective university–state alignment.

• Waste collection, treatment and disposal services are economically specialised in SA, with strengths in resource recovery and progressive policy. Adelaide University is nationally specialised in research, with successful industry collaborations and commercial ventures from university- led projects, positioning the sector for ongoing growth in advanced waste solutions.

Strategic opportunities in energy transition:

• Electricity and gas supply are central to SA’s energy transition, with 70% of electricity generated from wind and solar by 2023 and a target of 100% net renewables by 2027, alongside pioneering hydrogen blending initiatives. Strengthening university engagement could unlock major opportunities, especially in advancing renewables and decarbonising gas networks.

Existing alignments in health and chemical manufacturing:

• Medical and other health care services exemplify strong alignment between SA and Adelaide University, with both high economic and research specialisation. The university delivers globally significant research in public health, health psychology, clinical sciences, and diagnostics— directly supporting the sector’s innovation needs.

• Residential care services, including aged care, nursing homes, and disability services, are highly specialised in SA and increasingly innovative. The integration of technology, such as assistive robotics and remote monitoring, with Adelaide University’s focus on challenges in aged care supports applied innovation with significant socio-economic benefits.

• Basic chemical and chemical product manufacturing is an emerging area of strength in SA, with growing investment and R&D in advanced chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Both the state and Adelaide University show slight specialisation, presenting a strong opportunity to expand university–industry collaboration and boost SA’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Opportunities to deepen Adelaide University’s role in hospital-oriented innovation:

• Hospitals: Despite being central to SA’s health system and a key site of biomedical innovation, the Hospitals sector does not currently show above-national economic specialisation or university research intensity. Opportunities exist to further intensify involvement in hospital-based innovation, clinical trials, and digital health transformation.

Opportunities to strengthen Adelaide University’s role in these industries:

• Creative and performing arts activities are not highly specialised overall in SA, but there is notable specialisation in Performing Arts Venue Operation (part of Creative and Performing Arts Activities). Adelaide’s reputation as a ‘festival city’, with events like the Adelaide Fringe, generates significant economic and cultural value. Innovative startups further indicate strong creative momentum.

• Motion picture and sound recording activities have below-national overall economic specialisation but show strength in post-production services. Adelaide hosts globally competitive post-production and VFX firms, and has established university–industry pathways, such as a joint VFX training program with Adelaide University. While university specialisation is below national, this track record suggests potential for investment and alignment.

About Adelaide University

Adelaide University is a future-focused university that combines through merging the strengths of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research excellence. To find out more, please visit adelaideuni.edu.au/about

About Elsevier's Analytical Services

For policymakers, funders, academic institutions, and corporate research entities seeking precise research impact analysis, Elsevier Analytical Services delivers expert insights and high-quality data. Through custom reports, advanced analytics, and seamless data integration, we empower leaders to evaluate performance, guide strategy, and demonstrate accountability across the global research ecosystem.