Capability 6.5.2
Access & Partnerships
Definition
Strategic partnerships for data, research and development, and technology access and export forged through trade, diplomatic and scientific cooperation.
Examples
- AUKUS Agreement
- bilateral trade agreements
- AI capacity-building programs.
Indicators
- Number of AI-relevant agreements
- Dollar value of agreements
- Funding allocated to capacity-building initiatives
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Significant commitment
Articulates an intent to position Australia as an AI leader internationally and a partner of choice (Action 1, Action 9). Commits to development of Australian Government Strategy for International Engagement and Regional Leadership on Artificial Intelligence (Action 9). Notes a number of bilateral agreements (UK, US, Indian, Singapore, Korea, India). Significant commitment by government in the plan exceeds recommendation to maintain and monitor, signalling clear intent to build agency.
Stocktake
AUKUS Agreement: Pillar 2 (Advanced Capabilities). Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Accessed October 2024. https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/AUKUS-factsheet.pdf
Memorandum of understanding on cooperation on artificial intelligence between Australia and Singapore. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. December 2024. Accessed October 2025. https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/memorandum-understanding-cooperation-artificial-intelligence-between-australia-and-singapore
Capacity Building (2024-2028 Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program). Accessed April 2026. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/cyber-affairs-and-critical-technology/capacity-building
India Partnership (Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership). Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Accessed April 2026. https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/cyber-affairs-and-critical-technology/india-partnership
Australia and UK build on their critical technology partnership. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 10 September 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australia-and-uk-build-their-critical-technology-partnership
EU Australia Framework Agreement and Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. European Commission. Accessed April 2026. https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/strategy/strategy-research-and-innovation/europe-world/international-cooperation/bilateral-cooperation-science-and-technology-agreements-non-eu-countries/australia_en
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
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