The Commonwealth Government is calling on Australians to announce which key technologies will be most important to the economy and national security in the next decade.

Businesses and researchers have six weeks to pitch on technologies that they deem vital to Australia’s interests today, or that could become important.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, said the updated list of technologies of national interest should help Australia stay at the forefront of change, create jobs and enhance its reputation as a safe investment destination.

“It is essential for Australia’s continued and future prosperity that new and vital technologies are promoted and protected,” he said.

Mr Husic said these future technologies will accelerate Australia’s productivity gains and create high-paying jobs.

He said Australia needs to identify and understand where its strengths lie and identify gaps, including along its increasingly fragile supply chains.

Affected sectors range from heavy industry, mining and computing to medical research, energy and space.

Critical technology innovation is part of our goal to reach 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030.

The government will also invest $1 billion through the National Recovery Fund.

The 2022 Key Technologies List will be based on the previous administration’s list of 63 technologies across seven categories.

Current categories include advanced materials and manufacturing. artificial intelligence, computing and communications. Biotechnology, genetic technology, vaccines. Energy and Environment; Quantum; Sensing, Timing and Navigation. Transportation, robotics, space.

Public consultation is expected to end on September 30.