The Commonwealth Government's $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda has been welcomed by Charles Sturt University (CSU) for enabling Australia to optimise the economic and social benefits of research.

The initiative is a major investment in the long-term future of Australia's international research competitiveness and brings a whole-of-government approach towards increasing the level of engagement between universities, industry and communities.

"A whole-of-government approach and increased engagement will deliver genuine long-term impact to both regional communities and the nation as a whole," CSU Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said.

"We welcome the strong focus on the role of universities as important centres of research excellence and leadership. The initiative will build on Charles Sturt University's commitment to boosting levels of engagement between industry and communities to improve regional economies and train the next generation of industry-informed PhD students.

"We are pleased to see the Government's recognition of the importance of regional Australia as a centre of innovation, research and leadership, underpinned by strategic investments such as Charles Sturt University's investment in the AgriSciences Research and Business Park to be located at Wagga Wagga."

Professor Vann believes the initiative will inspire certainty and confidence.

"The $1.5 billion funding commitment for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) will bring certainty to the sector," Professor Vann said.

"The establishment of a new Cabinet sub-committee focused on innovation and science will assist in ensuring the prioritisation of important initiatives across Government Departments and will assist in the effective coordination of policy at a federal level."

CSU looks forward to working collaboratively with the Commonwealth Government in the implementation of this initiative.