Leading in Public Policy Advice
At the forefront of Science, Research and Innovation Policy
Founded in 1998 by Dr John Howard
Howard Partners is a specialist Australian public policy research firm was founded 26 years ago by Dr John Howard following a ten-year career as a partner in two of Australia’s largest professional services firms and long-held connections with several Australian universities. The firm was incorporated as a private company in 1999.
For the past 26 years, Howard Partners has been a trusted advisor to Commonwealth and State governments, higher education providers, and industry organisations
This firm’s professional knowledge and experience in science, research and innovation, public policy, management strategy, and strategic communication provide a unique combination of capabilities that is applied in all commissions and assignments.
From 2022, the firm’s Policy Research Analysis and Advisory work has been undertaken through the
Acton Institute for Policy Research and Innovation
Please visit
www.actoninstitute.au
Howard Partners acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respet to the Elders past, present and emerging, who maintian their cultures, country and spiritual connection to the land, sea and community.
Dr. John Howard
John brings a distinguished career as a highly experienced policy adviser and consultant with a track record of achievement in the areas of science, technology,and innovation (STI) policy, regional development, industry economics and public finance, and higher education reform.
His achievements include founding and leading a prominent management consulting firm, shaping national research and innovtion strategies, and playing a key role in driving industry transformation and sustainability initiatives for major public sector institutions. His work has had lasting impacts across government, academic, and industry.
Major Achievements
- Founding and leading a specialist management consulting and policy advisory firm for over 26 years: John founded and managed Howard Partners, a prominent consulting firm specialising in science, technology, and innovation policy. Over two decades, he established a trusted brand that delivered expert insights to clients in government, industry, and academia. His leadership guided the firm in navigating complex sectors and delivering strategic advice that enhanced the innovation landscape in Australia and beyond.
- Shaping and delivering strategic plans: John has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategic plans for both public and private sector clients. His work focuses on aligning business operations with long-term goals, ensuring practical, actionable outcomes. Through his strategic insights, he has helped organisations manage complex regulatory environments, improve performance, and drive growth. His contributions have been instrumental in transforming businesses and institutions by providing clear, evidence-based paths forward.
- Senior executive roles across government, universities, and global professional services firms: John has held senior leadership positions in government, universities, and major professional services firms. His roles have involved shaping science, technology, and innovation policies, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and enhancing national and regional innovation ecosystems. His leadership has helped institutions develop frameworks for innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning them to thrive in a globally competitive environment.
- Significant contributions to national research systems and innovation strategies: John has led key projects, including a comparative analysis of university research systems commissioned by the Department of Education. This analysis informed the Australian Higher Education Review and Universities Accord, providing critical insights into aligning research funding with broader national innovation priorities. His work continues to influence policy reforms aimed at ensuring Australia’s competitiveness in global research and innovation landscapes.
- Extensive involvement in higher education reform: John has been a leading figure in reshaping Australia’s higher education landscape. His report, “Rethinking Australia’s Higher Education System,” provided a comprehensive framework for diversifying the national system, allowing for more efficient use of resources and institutional specialisation. His analysis has influenced policy discussions on higher education as an industry, promoting a more strategic approach to funding, teaching, and research in Australian universities.
- Engagement in major regional economic and innovation development strategies: John has contributed to regional development initiatives, including the Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Hunter Region. His work identified key areas of innovation potential and guided investment to promote economic growth. He has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between universities, industry, and government, helping regions like Canberra and the Hunter leverage their innovation assets and attract investment for sustainable development.
These achievements reflect Dr Howard’s extensive impact across sectors, demonstrating his capacity to influence policy, foster innovation, and drive institutional reforms.
Career Profile
- 1998-present: Managing Director of Howard Partners
- 1988-1993: Partner, Ernst & Whinney (later E&Y) as a practice leader in Government Services consulting in Canberra.
- 19931988: Partner, Coopers and Lybrand (now PWC) with lead responsibilities for Government services Consulting, in Sydney.
- 1984-1992: John H Howard and Associates, the genesis of what is now Howard Partners.
- 1973-1983: Australian Public Service in policy development, analysis and review (Treasury, Finance, and House of Reps Committee Office as an Inquiry Secretary).
- 2008-2012: Contract appointment as Director and later Pro Vice-Chancellor (Innovation and Engagement) at the University of Canberra.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), The University of Sydney, 2004
- Master of Arts (Public Policy), University of Canberra, 1983
- Bachelor of Economics (Honours) University of Tasmania, 1971
Honorary Appointments
- Visiting Professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney
- Adjunct Professor, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra
Board Roles
- Inaugural Chair, Taree Universities Campus, 2019-2020
- Great Lakes Education Fund, 2011-2020
- Canberra Business Council, 2007-2012
- Epicorp Business Incubator, 2008-2012
Anne Howard
Anne has more than 30 years of direct experience as an innovative leader, chief executive, government and industry adviser, communication strategist, facilitator, and academic. She was a Board member of the NSW Government’s Innovation Council, advising the government on biotechnology, rural and regional innovation, and fostering an innovation culture. She has previously served on NFP and community boards.
Anne is also a leadership coach who partners with her clients to ignite self-discovery, change mindsets, align values and aspirations and uncover the biggest possibilities within us all. In addition to her formal ACAP-ICF coaching qualifications, Anne holds a certificate in the foundations of women-centred coaching. Anne's training in women-centred coaching helps her identify and release women's hidden power blocks, which can unleash their full potential and thrive.
Major Achievements
- Director, Howard Partners Pty Ltd 1999-present
Anne has been a director of Howard Partners since its formation in 1999. During that time Anne has led and advised on numerous Howard Partners assignments, particularly those concerned with marketing and communication, knowledge transfer and research commercialisation. Anne has also held several concurrent roles, outlined below. - CEO, Public Relations Institute of Australia (2016-2017)
PRIA is the peak body representing more than 4,000 professional PR and communication practitioners across Australia. Anne repositioned the Institute through reinvigoration of the industry's Golden Target Awards, and introducing a professional development program through online learning. - Business Manager, Food Futures Flagship, CSIRO (2008-2010)
Anne led the business team for the successful commercialisation of the novel BARLEYMAX™ grain technology into a retail breakfast cereal product. She was awarded the CSIRO medal for business excellence. - Director, Anne Howard Communications (2002-2007)
Anne provided strategic communication advice and delivered national awareness campaigns for technology transfer companies, national professional associations, and commercialisation events in the bio-sciences arena. - Executive Director, Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA), 2000-2001
Anne was retained by the Board of KCA to build a stronger membership and increase awareness and understanding with key stakeholders about innovation, commercialisation, and the role the research community could play in helping to build Australia's economic success. - Chief Executive Officer, the Australian Venture Capital Association, 1995-1999
Anne was instrumental in developing AVCAL into a strong and viable industry organisation, taking it from a little-known NGO representing an alternative asset class to a peak industry body that played a key role in the Australian Government's industry policy agenda, including the introduction of the Innovation Investment Funds (IIF) program. Anne successfully raised the awareness and understanding of venture capital with Australian SMEs, entrepreneurs and researchers, the finance sector and funds management industry, angel investors, business advisers, IP lawyers and corporate advisers, governments, and the national media. Anne gained support and recognition of the importance of supporting Australian innovation and initiated the Australian Venture Capital Awards, as well as the Annual AVCAL conference. Anne was funded by the Australian Government to write one of the first books in Australia about venture funding, Winning Australian Venture Capital, published in 1997. Anne was made a Lifelong Member of AVCAL in 1999.
Education
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Coaching, specialising in Executive and Leadership Coaching from the Australian College of Advanced Professions (2024)
- Certificate in the Women-Centred Coach Training and Leadership course, the Institute for Women-Centred Coaching, the Institute for Women-Centered Coaching, Training & Leadership (2023)
- Master’s Degree (Information Studies) – Internet communication and social media, University of Canberra. Anne received the Dean’s Award for Excellence (2012)
- Australian Institute of Company Director’s course, AICD (2010)
- Certificate III in Colour and Design, International School of Colour and Design (2005)
- BA (Communication) – public relations, communication, marketing and social psychology, University of Canberra (1991)
Board Roles
- NSW Innovation Council, serving on three Council Working Groups – Biotechnology, Innovation Culture, and Regional Innovation
- AusDance ACT - Canberra's peak body for Dance
- Sinfonia Mid North Coast - a community orchestra
- Deputy Chair of the ACT Chapter of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)
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