On Wednesday, 24 July, the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney (USSC) hosted an exclusive roundtable with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Amid the historic 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS & Science Act, the discussion focused on US sub-national responses to federal policies with global reach, including industrial policy, the clean energy transition, and strategic technologies. The event included representatives from the Australian Department of Treasury, Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Investment NSW, and the University of Technology.
Following introductory remarks by Governor Holcomb, USSC Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer moderated a discussion on Australian perspectives, opportunities and challenges in responding to US industrial policy as well as areas for potential cooperation at the sub-national level between Australia and the United States. Key themes from the discussion included:
- The role of state governments in implementing national legislation like the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act through incentives at the local level
- The opportunity for state governments to drive economic growth by capitalising on federal subsidies to enhance already existing projects
- The possibilities for state governments to attract investment by supporting global stakeholders to access Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act opportunities
- The success of Indiana’s low regulatory environment and high incentives approach to attracting overseas investment in industry policy opportunities
- The need to deepen coordination between the federal and state branches on Australian industry policy efforts, such as the 2024 Future Made in Australia Act
- Opportunities to expand into new fields like microelectronics, electric vehicles, technology research, clean hydrogen and artificial intelligence
- The importance of working across geographic and sectoral silos to align priorities and needs
- The opportunity for state economies to embrace a strategic approach to economic growth, that draws from a longer-term vision of global policy trends and geopolitical shocks
The United States Studies Centre regularly uses its convening power to broker international conversations to find solutions to issues facing the Australia-US alliance. With economic security and industrial policy emerging as key policy areas in both Australia and the United States, there are increasing opportunities to share insights, find new connections and work together to realise these alliance objectives.
To request a meeting or briefing with the USSC, please email: ussc.media@sydney.edu.au.
