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Applied research
Our research informs policy, drives innovation and delivers real-world impact for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Explore our projects and the strategic focus areas shaping small business success.
Why we focus on SMEs
Micro-firms (sole traders and firms with one to four employees) make up 88.5% of businesses but contribute just 20% of GDP. Large businesses (200+ employees) represent 0.2% of businesses but contribute 44% of GDP. Our focus is on SMEs (five to 199 employees) who account for 11.3% of businesses and drive 36% of GDP and 43% of employment – making them key drivers of the Australian economy.*
Our featured projects
We develop practical industry insights, research-driven solutions and initiatives that equip SMEs with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving global economy.
Counting on U: Protecting the mental health of SME owners through small business advisers (2020 to 2023)
Counting on U was a new training-based mental health intervention aimed at upskilling trusted SME advisers to better support the financial and mental wellbeing of their small business owner (SME) clients.
Launched with funding from the Australian Treasury, National Health and Medical Research Council and industry partners like Beyond Blue, Institute of Public Accountants, WorkSafe Victoria and Mental Health First Aid International, the program delivered free training to over 3,000 participants across Australia and New Zealand.
The training combined client Relationship Building Training (RBT) with Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA®)*, equipping advisers with the skills to identify mental health issues and provide appropriate support to their SME clients, bridging the gap until professional help could be accessed.
- RBT+ MHFA® training is an effective strategy for reaching large numbers of SME owners with timely, needs-based mental health support
- Through development of high-quality, trusting relationships, advisers help reduce the financial distress experienced by SME clients, thereby helping to protect their mental health
- Training helped advisers identify the signs of common mental health conditions in their SME clients, and where they saw those signs, gave them the confidence to have a mental health conversation and encourage at-risk clients to seek help
- 59% increase in knowledge of common mental health conditions
- 42% decrease in stigma regarding mental health problems
- 50% increase in conversations with SME clients about suicidal thoughts
- 31% increase in provision of information about local mental health services
- 100% decrease in advisers believing MHFA® was not part of their role
The program has been recognised for its impact, being a finalist in the 2021 AFR Higher Education Awards for Industry Engagement, and one of twenty-five global honorees at the 2025 AACSB Innovations That Inspire.
Counting on U
Counting on U is a first-of-its-kind training and research program which equips business finance professionals across Australia and New Zealand with the skills to build long-term, trusting relationships.
There has never been a more important time for accountants to add this expertise to their toolkit... many families and businesses are staring down the barrel of long-term financial problems which can often go hand in hand with mental health difficulties. Accountants will learn not only how to recognise the signs but also understand how to start a conversation with a client they are concerned about and refer them to professional help.
CEO Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Industry speaks
Our research is co-designed with industry to deliver practical solutions SMEs can use immediately. From evidence-based playbooks to training programs, we turn insights into actions that help businesses thrive.
How organisational structure shapes open innovation in SMEs (2020)
This study by Simona Gentile-Lüdecke, Rui Torres de Oliveira and Justin Paul examines how organisational design impacts SMEs’ ability to engage in open innovation. The study showed that SMEs that balance these three dimensions are better positioned to innovate and compete:
- Decentralised structures encourage collaboration and external partnerships.
- Rigid hierarchies limit knowledge sharing and slow innovation adoption.
- Cross-functional teams enhance agility and responsiveness to market changes.
The key takeaway is that SMEs that adopt flexible, collaborative structures are better positioned to leverage open innovation and remain competitive.
Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre podcast #1: Is your org chart killing innovation?
Want to dive deeper into how organisational structure impacts innovation in SMEs? Listen to our podcast where we unpack the latest research findings and share practical strategies to help businesses harness open innovation for growth.
Empowering innovation: Australian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiatives in India (2025 to 2028)
This project aims to boost Australian business engagement with India by facilitating FDI initiatives focused on establishing innovation centres for:
- Artificial Intelligence: Exploring quantum technology applications and advanced learning management systems for large models.
- Robotics: Showcasing manufacturing automation to improve productivity and efficiency.
- Health: Promoting knowledge exchange in pharmaceuticals and fostering innovation in testing and technologies.
The program provides tailored market-entry strategies, helping participants identify partners, navigate cultural differences and leverage India’s resources. It includes regulatory analysis, practical templates, checklists and roadmaps for investors. Case studies of successful Indian research centres will guide policy white papers to inform both businesses and government on effective strategies for FDI and innovation collaboration.
Source: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO; 2024): ASBFEO Small Business Data Portal.
*Mental Health First Aid and MHFA® are registered trademarks of Mental Health First Aid International.
Contact us
Send an enquiry to the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
