The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) has successfully driven industry-led research and economic growth, leveraging $75 million in government funding to generate over $155 million in projects and an expected $580 million in economic benefits. However, as Northern Australia faces evolving challenges—including climate impacts, workforce needs, infrastructure gaps, and national security concerns—there is a pressing need for a more expansive and coordinated research and development (R&D) framework.

This presentation introduces the Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CDNA), a proposed evolution of the CRCNA model. CDNA aims to enhance collaboration, commercialisation, and policy integration to address complex regional challenges. With a focus on place-based solutions, CDNA will align with the Northern Australia Action Plan 2024–2029, prioritising sustainable development across agriculture, aquaculture, energy, environmental services, health, and First Nations enterprise development.