Australian Technology Network ATN

Overview

The Australian Technology Network (ATN) is a coalition of leading Australian universities distinguished by a strong focus on industry engagement, applied research and real-world education. According to uniRank, ATN originally comprised five universities—Curtin University, RMIT University, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of South Australia (UniSA) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT)—and since 2021–2023 has expanded to include Deakin University and The University of Newcastle, bringing membership to six institutions. These universities collectively educate a significant portion of Australia’s student population and conduct substantial research funding. Based on uniRank research, ATN plays an important role in promoting technology and innovation in Australia through industry‑aligned education, research collaborations and graduate employability.

History and Legal Framework

ATN traces its origins to 1975, formed initially as the Directors of Central Institutes of Technology (DOCIT), a grouping of institutes based in central business districts that aimed to deliver degree‑level teaching and applied research. DOCIT disbanded in 1982 but was formally re‑established in 1999 as the Australian Technology Network with five university members. Queensland University of Technology exited in 2018 and Deakin (2020) and Newcastle (2021) joined later, restoring the network to six members. Each institution achieved public university status between 1986 and 1992; their antecedents, however, are among Australia’s longstanding tertiary institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives role in higher education

ATN universities share a mission to deliver industry-relevant, applied education and research that drives national innovation and workforce readiness. The network’s objectives include:

• Influencing government policy in higher education as a cohesive authoritative voice;
• Producing work‑ready graduates with tomorrow’s skills;
• Building national and international reputations and market presence;
• Collaborating across institutions to enhance research, development, policy and educational impact;
• Optimising research partnerships and strategic alliances both domestically and overseas;
• Sharing information and joint initiatives between member universities.

These objectives reinforce ATN’s identity within higher education as a driver of socially relevant, innovative learning and research.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ATN operates as a peak body and sectoral alliance rather than a formal statutory authority. Its governance is overseen by a council of vice‑chancellors from member universities, with a chair (most recently Professor Alex Zelinsky AO) and an executive director (as of 2025, Dr Ant Bagshaw). As a collaborative network, ATN maintains independence, relying on member contributions and policy‑engagement activities. It does not directly control individual member universities, which remain publicly governed institutions under their own legal frameworks.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation role in higher education

While ATN is not a regulatory or accreditation body, its member universities comply with national quality frameworks such as the Higher Education Standards Framework and are regulated by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). ATN participates in sector-wide submissions—such as to the Provider Category Standards review and pre‑budget consultations—advocating balanced, equitable regulatory settings. Its members consistently perform strongly in the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluations; for example, ATN research has been ranked world class or above in ERA 2015 assessments.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The ATN promotes international engagement through research collaborations, global partnerships and transnational education. In policy submissions ATN has underscored the importance of regional cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific, advocating for recognition of Australian qualifications and enhanced bilateral arrangements. ATN universities draw international students and researchers, collectively educating over one-fifth of Australia’s international cohort and pursue strategic alliances with similar overseas networks.

Current or Future Impact on higher education

ATN member universities invest more than AUD 1 billion annually into applied research (with recent figures nearer AUD 1.7 billion), much of it funded from industry sources. Seventy percent of research funding since 2010 has come from industry collaborators. ATN also hosts Australia’s only Industry Doctoral Training Centre, delivering research‑training pathways aligned with workplace needs. The network played an influential role in shaping key sector reforms such as the Universities Accord and the pre‑budget submissions advocating equity, needs‑based funding and streamlined regulation. Its active policy engagement includes recent contributions to TEQSA regulatory frameworks and national skills reform. Going forward, ATN is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding higher education responses to emerging digital trends—such as generative AI, digital infrastructure and workforce upskilling—through advocacy, policy submissions and research partnerships.

Summary

The Australian Technology Network of Universities is a dynamic, independent coalition of innovative Australian universities focused on applied learning, industry-aligned research and graduate employability. Established in its current form in 1999 and expanded to six members, ATN remains a leading sector voice shaping higher education policy, equity, quality and relevance. Through strong engagement with industry and government, robust research funding and leadership in sector reform, ATN continues to influence the future of tertiary education in Australia.

FAQs

1. What is the Australian Technology Network (ATN)?
   ATN is a network of six Australian universities focused on technology, innovation and real-world impact in higher education.
2. When was ATN established?
   Its origins date to the DOCIT grouping of 1975, formally re‑formed as ATN in 1999.
3. Which universities are members?
   The current membership includes Curtin University, RMIT University, University of Technology Sydney, University of South Australia, Deakin University and University of Newcastle.
4. Does ATN accredit universities?
   No — member institutions are accredited individually and comply with national standards administered by TEQSA.
5. What is ATN’s role in policy and reform?
   ATN advocates on behalf of its members in submissions on higher education funding, regulation and equity and engages closely with government policy-making.
6. How much research activity is undertaken by ATN universities?
   ATN invests over AUD 1 billion annually in real‑world research, with the majority sourced from industry partnerships.
7. What benefits do students gain from ATN membership?
   Students benefit from industry‑embedded learning, strong graduate employability, international partnerships and access to applied research opportunities.

Organization Name

Australian Technology Network

Acronym

ATN

Year of Establishment

1/01/1999

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

5

Address

GPO Box 2471
Adelaide
5001 South Australia Australia

Phone

+61 (8) 8302 9135

Fax

+61 (8) 8302 7191

List of universities that are members of the Australian Technology Network:

New South Wales

• The University of Newcastle
• University of Technology Sydney

South Australia

• The University of South Australia

Victoria

• Deakin University
• RMIT University

Western Australia

• Curtin University

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Australian Technology Network's X page

LinkedIn

Australian Technology Network's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Australian Technology Network's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Australian Technology Network's Wikipedia article

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