National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC)
National hub to convene industry and support AI adoption.
How the laws define this
Both instruments agree that the National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC) functions as a national centre dedicated to convening industry, coordinating guidance and tools, and supporting artificial intelligence adoption. However, they diverge in how they define the centre's institutional structure, operational scope, and key deliverables. The National AI Action Plan (AI Action Plan) specifies that the NAIC is an operational centre established within CSIRO’s Data61, tasked with bringing together research and government partners alongside industry, managing capability programs, and supporting responsible practice across the economy. In contrast, the Australia National AI Plan 2025 focuses on the centre's expanded remit and roles in sectoral implementation, specifically emphasizing support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), leading industry engagement, coordinating adoption supports, and providing specific resources such as the Guidance for AI Adoption and the AI Adoption Tracker. Consequently, while one framework highlights its organizational home within CSIRO’s Data61 and broader governance goals, the other emphasizes expanding practical tools and sectoral execution.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australia National AI Plan 2025 | In Force | This definition expands the NAIC's remit to include supporting SMEs and coordinating sectoral implementation under the 2025 plan. |
| Australia | National AI Action Plan (AI Action Plan) | Repealed | This earlier definition locates the NAIC within CSIRO’s Data61 and focuses on coordinating research, government, and responsible AI practices. |
Definitions (2)
The NAIC is the national centre responsible for convening industry, supporting SMEs, providing guidance and tools (such as the Guidance for AI Adoption and AI Adoption Tracker), leading industry engagement, and coordinating AI adoption supports; the Plan expands its remit and roles in sectoral implementation.
The operational national centre established within CSIRO’s Data61 to convene industry, research and government partners, coordinate guidance and tools, manage capability programs and support AI adoption and responsible practice across the economy.
Not to be confused with
A national AI organization is a broader body for coordinating AI programs and standards, while NAIC specifically convenes industry and supports adoption.
A national AI research centre focuses on consolidating R&D and tech transfer, whereas NAIC emphasizes industry engagement and tools for adoption.
Questions and answers
What expanded role does the NAIC take in the Australia National AI Plan 2025?
The NAIC provides guidance, tools like the AI Adoption Tracker, leads industry engagement, and coordinates supports for SMEs.
Where was the NAIC initially hosted before the 2025 plan?
It was established within CSIRO’s Data61 to manage capability programs and support responsible AI practices.
Related Terms
AI Action Plan
Australian Government’s multi-year plan to invest in AI capability....
NAIC
National Artificial Intelligence Centre coordinating AI capability....
National AI Organization
National body for coordinating AI programs and standards....
Capability centres
Hubs providing AI expertise, tools and training to adopters....
National AI Research Centre
A proposed centre to consolidate AI R&D and tech transfer....