AAF: Driving Collaboration, Cutting Costs, and Boosting Innovation Across Australia

Established in 2009, the Australian Access Federation (AAF) provides a trusted, national identity and access framework for Australia's research and education sector. AAF connects almost all Australian universities, major research agencies, NCRIS facilities, government organisations, and international federations via eduGAIN, enabling secure, seamless access to digital networks and resources for research and learning.

A recent analysis by Lateral Economics highlights the significant economic and social value AAF delivers to the Australian community:

• Central case: $58 million in annual benefits versus $6.8 million in costs — a net benefit of $51 million and a benefit–cost ratio of 8.5.
• Optimistic scenario: $84 million in benefits, netting $78 million with a ratio of 12.3.
• Even in a pessimistic scenario: $30 million in net benefits and a ratio of 5.4.

Put simply, for every dollar spent on AAF, the community gains between $5.40 and $12.30 in benefits.

Where the value comes from

• Universities and research organisations save $8–17 million annually in IT staffing and account management.
• Students gain easier access to journals, ebooks, and learning resources, saving $14–32 million worth of time each year.
• Researchers and teachers save $5–8 million annually, while the sector avoids $1–6 million in duplicated research activity.
• Additional savings in legal and administrative costs, plus "long tail" benefits such as improved collaboration opportunities, further amplify AAF's impact.

Heath Marks CEO of the Australian Access Federation said, "This analysis confirms what our sector has long understood – AAF is a critical enabler of research and education in Australia. By providing secure, seamless access to digital resources, we not only save time and money but also unlock collaboration and innovation.

"The return on investment is clear: AAF delivers exceptional value to universities, researchers, students, and the broader community."