Addressing barriers to safe, standards-based AI adoption
Led by Swinburne University of Technology, this Australia–India partnership investigates the technical, operational and governance barriers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face when applying artificial intelligence (AI) safety standards in real-world settings.
AI offers significant opportunities for business and industry, but many organisations face challenges translating high-level standards into practical action. International and national frameworks provide important guidance for responsible AI, but organisations often need clearer support to understand how these standards apply to their systems, processes and risks. This project focuses on that implementation gap.
Our mission
Our mission is to translate recognised AI safety and governance standards into practical guidance that reflects the needs of SMEs across Australia and India.
The project will examine how international frameworks, including ISO 42001, ISO/IEC TR 5469 and IEEE P3119, can support safer AI management systems, functional safety and responsible AI design in real-world industry settings.
Our approach
We combine applied research, technical expertise and industry engagement in this project.
Map technical, operational and governance barriers
Run collaborative workshops with Australian and Indian SMEs and technology experts
Demonstrate practical ways to apply AI safety standards
Develop a white paper with clear recommendations for industry and policymakers
Key outcomes and impact
The project will deliver a white paper identifying key barriers to safe, standards-based AI adoption and providing practical recommendations for industry and policymakers.
These outcomes will support safe and responsible AI adoption across Australia, India and the Indo-Pacific region by helping organisations move from high-level AI principles to practical implementation.
Key outcomes include:
- clearer guidance for SMEs seeking to implement AI safety
- practical recommendations that translate safety and governance standards into implementation steps
- increased confidence among organisations adopting AI
- stronger alignment between AI projects and recognised risk, safety and governance frameworks
- strengthened Australia–India collaboration in responsible AI innovation.
Our research partners
The partnership draws on expertise from Swinburne's Factory of the Future, DIgital Innovation Lab and Social Innovation Research Institute, alongside Australian and Indian academic, industry and ecosystem partners.
This project is supported by the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP).
Swinburne University of Technology and its research partners remain independent in the content of the research on this website and in all editorial judgements.
Need more information?
For project enquiries, workshop participation or collaboration opportunities, please email safeai@swinburne.edu.au.