Report: Economic value of NATA accreditation estimated at $488–712m annually

A UTS report has explored the economic and social value of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation in Australia. Commissioned by NATA, the report used a mixed-methods design — combining a survey of 165 NATA member organisations and 181 Technical Assessors, in-depth interviews with seven organisations for case studies, economic modelling and a literature review. To consider what may be at risk in the absence of a trusted accreditation infrastructure, a counterfactual perspective was also provided.

Key findings of the report include:

• NATA accreditation being deemed fundamental to success by almost 90% of accredited organisations surveyed;
• 26% of respondents reporting that NATA accreditation helped them enter new domestic and international markets;
• innovation-driven impacts of up to 4% of total revenue — with some exceeding 8% — reported by accredited organisations;
• price premiums of more than 12% able to be secured by accredited services; and
• an estimated economic value of NATA accreditation being between AU$488 million and AU$712 million annually.
   

“Our research shows that accreditation creates value in ways that are both measurable and deeply embedded in the systems Australians rely on,” Professor Chris Bajada from UTS said. “The economic contribution is significant, but the broader finding is just as important. Accreditation reduces uncertainty, strengthens trust in technical information and supports better decisions by businesses, regulators, governments and the community.

“By combining economic modelling with survey evidence, interviews and case studies, this research shows that accreditation should be understood not only as a technical process, but as an important contributor to Australia’s economic and social wellbeing,” Bajada added.

You can read the report at nata.com.au/files/2026/07/UTS-Report-2026.pdf.

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