Benefits for innovators and creative professionals

The Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A‑EU FTA) will provide the Australian creative and innovative sectors with unprecedented access to the EU. EU researchers and technical specialists will be able to collaborate on research, and exchange skills and expertise with Australian research institutions and innovative industries to their mutual benefit.

New opportunities to collaborate with EU researchers, innovators, and technicians

The A-EU FTA will facilitate research and innovation collaboration through a new Innovation Mobility Pathway. Under the pathway, eligible EU researchers can undertake research placements and internships in Australia for up to three years.

It will also support Australian skills growth. Eligible EU researchers and technical specialists will be able to come to Australia to exchange skills and undertake workplace-based training for up to one year.

Further information on how to access the Innovation Mobility Pathway will be available upon entry into force of the A-EU FTA.

Greater opportunities and certainty for Australian creatives, researchers and innovators

The Innovation Mobility Pathway also enhances the mobility of Australian researchers, engineers and technicians to promote greater cooperation in innovation and advancing science and technology. This includes:

• allowing eligible Australian researchers (and their families) who are planning to look for jobs or set up a business in the EU to stay in the EU for up to nine months
• guaranteeing greater mobility for eligible Australian researchers (and their families) to travel and stay in various EU Member States to undertake their research projects
• ensuring Australian researchers, innovators, and academics are eligible to access Euraxess EU, Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions, and Erasmus+ programs to support research and innovation cooperation with European partners.

For the first time with a major developed-economy partner, the EU has provided a guaranteed pathway for eligible services suppliers engaged in the Creative Arts (CPC code 9619)¹to travel to the EU to supply services.

¹Other than audio-visual services.