The CRC programme supports collaboration between researchers, industries, communities and governments to solve major challenges facing Australia, many of which are global challenges. CRCs commonly have dozens of participating organisations including universities and research institutions, businesses ranging from multinational corporations to small and medium enterprises, governments at national, state and local levels, international partners, not-for-profit organisations and industry and community associations.

The CRC programme encourages participation from all sectors and disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences. CRC selection rounds are held annually.

The CRC programme was officially launched in 1990. Since the commencement of the programme in 1991, 200 CRCs have been funded. The Australian Government has committed more than $3.7 billion in CRC programme funding. Participants in CRCs have committed a further $11.7 billion in cash and in-kind contributions. The total Australian Government support for science, research and innovation in 2012-13 is almost $9 billion.

CRC collaborations involve researchers, industries, communities and governments, but must include at least one Australian end user and at least one Australian higher education institution (or a research institute affiliated with a university).

For more information on the Commonwealth government's Cooperative Research Centre programme, please visit
www.crca.asn.au or 
http://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-assistance/Collaboration/CRC/Pages/default.aspx