🚀 Inside Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA): Your 60-Second Guide to Landing a Government Career
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quick-fire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this entity—from its core mission and exciting initiatives to the most sought-after skills and qualifications. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will help you navigate the path to a rewarding government career in Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA)
Location: Canberra, ACT (supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Australia)
CEO: No standalone CEO; key leadership figure is the Chair (Andrew Stevens), supported by a Deputy Chair and an Executive Director
Total Revenue: IISA does not collect its own revenue. Programs are funded by the Australian Government, and financials are reported through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Total Number of Employees: IISA is a statutory board. It does not employ staff directly; administration is provided by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
⭐ Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Business or Commerce – Understand government program funding and economic strategy
Public Administration or Policy – Essential for shaping legislative frameworks and public-sector processes
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) – Key to evaluating scientific proposals and identifying tech opportunities
Data Analytics / Statistics – Crucial for measuring program impact and economic outcomes
Law / Regulatory Studies – Ensures compliance with the legislative mandates under the Industry Research and Development Act 1986
⭐ Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) – Helps coordinate large-scale government innovation programs
Accounting / CPA / CA – Ensures good financial governance and budgeting
Corporate Governance / Company Directorship – Aids strategic oversight and compliance
Procurement and Contracting (e.g. Diploma of Government (Procurement)) – Manages grants, tenders, and partnership agreements
Risk Management Certification (e.g. ISO 31000) – Structures risk identification and mitigation for public-sector programs
⭐ Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Policy Advisor / Analyst – Shapes industry, science, and innovation policies
Financial Analyst / Accountant – Enables sound financial stewardship for program funds
Technology Specialist – Offers insights into tech feasibility and commercialisation pathways
Research Scientist or Engineer – Provides high-level technical expertise on R&D initiatives
Program or Grants Administrator – Ensures day-to-day smooth running of government grant programs
⭐ Top 5 skills most suited:
Stakeholder Engagement – Builds partnerships between government, industry, and the research sector
Analytical Thinking – Evaluates complex projects, solves intricate funding and policy challenges
Communication – Conveys policy findings and program updates to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strategic Planning – Guides long-term innovation, industry collaboration, and legislative improvements
Negotiation – Fosters effective collaboration among private investors, research institutions, and government agencies
⭐ Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Working on Government-Funded Projects – Familiarity with grants management and reporting requirements
Policy Development in Public Sector – Experience in drafting policy and consulting stakeholders
Commercialisation of R&D – Understands taking research from concept to market
Industry Collaboration / Partnership Building – Proven skill in bridging gaps between corporations, universities, and not-for-profits
Regulatory or Compliance Roles – Keeps programs on track with legislative rules and guidelines
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA)
Name of CEO: IISA does not have a traditional CEO. Andrew Stevens serves as Chair, supported by a Deputy Chair, an Executive Director, and committee chairs
Location: Australia-wide in scope, operating primarily from Canberra, ACT
Year Founded: 2016 (following legislative updates under the Industry Research and Development Act 1986)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
IISA’s goal is to position Australia as a leading innovation nation. It offers strategic oversight of key innovation programs and provides independent advice to the government on industry, science, research, and technology.
Real-world example: Through oversight of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI) and other programs, IISA helps businesses refine cutting-edge R&D into marketable solutions.Main duties of the department:
IISA oversees, evaluates, and provides recommendations on Australian Government initiatives such as Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Venture Capital programs, and the Industry Growth Program.
Real-world example: By guiding the CRC Program, IISA helps universities and industry partners collaborate on breakthrough technologies like new medical devices or advanced materials.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Research & Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI)
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program
Venture Capital programs (e.g., ESVCLP and VCLP)
Industry Growth Program for startups and SMEs
Ongoing advisory role in the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)
Did you know?
IISA has stewardship over multi-billion-dollar funding allocations that spur Aussie innovation, from quantum tech to biotechnology. This creates pathways for countless startups and research breakthroughs.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: IISA does not directly employ staff; it is supported by officers of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Not reported in IISA’s annual report; employees follow APS classifications managed by the Department
Salary Bands: Aligned with standard APS pay scales, administered by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Average salary in the department: Not specified in the IISA annual report. Salaries generally range according to APS and Executive levels
Total Revenue: IISA itself does not generate revenue; funding for its programs is allocated by the Australian Government
Average Revenue per Employee: Not applicable, as IISA does not collect or generate its own revenue
GETTING A JOB AT
When applying for roles associated with IISA, look for vacancies via the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and on Australian Public Service job boards.
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Government (Procurement / Contracting / Administration)
Business Administration (Certificate III / IV)
Information Technology / Cyber Security (Diploma)
Bachelor / Master Level:
Public Policy, Public Administration, or Political Science
Commerce / Finance / Accounting
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
PhDs:
Scientific Research, Engineering, or Data Science
Economics or Innovation Studies
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Trades or professions with a background in manufacturing, data services, or engineering—especially those applying innovative techniques.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Experience with R&D, commercialisation, grants management, policy advising, or consulting in advanced manufacturing or scientific research.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills: Collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, communication
Technical skills: Data analytics, project management, financial analysis, IT or cyber security
General skills: Strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, legislative interpretation
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Passion for science and tech (e.g., robotics clubs, coding groups)
Community volunteering with an innovation or sustainability focus
Entrepreneurship meetups or startup communities
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department
Since IISA does not have a separate HR division, job or general queries can be made through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources:
Street Address: Industry House, 10 Binara Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 6213 6000
Email: industry@industry.gov.au
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