Artificial Intelligence Compute -Australian Market Analysis

Aalto’s market assessment was based on a literature review, a targeted online industry survey and a series of 1:1 interviews of early-stage AI industry members. These provided both qualitative and quantitative points of data.

The online survey was designed with input from CSIRO, and was designed to identify existing engagement with AI, the pressure points in accessing resources (including skilled personnel, compute power), and expectations about future needs, opportunities and challenges in the sector. Interviews also allowed for more detailed, informed, and nuanced perspective of issues faced. The industry survey gathered structured input from 200 organisations involved in AI, collected from a list provided by CSIRO.

The report incorporated findings from the literature review to contextualise the survey findings. Interviews with organisations provided nuance to the issues highlighted in the survey and allowed a deeper understanding of the challenges presented. The central question that the report answered related to the nature or extent of market failure in the supply of AI compute infrastructure to the local Australian sector, with additional information gathered in the survey and interview process was also presented. The market failure finding was presented in a separate letter of findings and executive summary which provided direction to CSIRO.

The final report and findings were accepted and noted by CSIRO. The report formed a part of a wider package of information to inform decision making and policies that will improve the adoption and development of AI in Australia.