Australia's space activities since the early sixties have been science-oriented and uncoordinated. As a result, Australia has been unable to develop a long-term sustainable domestic technological capability; with industry being dependent on government funding for its involvement in the nation's space plan. This thesis examines public policy aspects focussing on technology independence that is the building of competencies for the sustainable development of an industry. It compares national technological development by relating Australia's recent space-related successes and failures to those of other nations (especially selected Asian countries and Israel). The overarching research problem addressed within this thesis examined the Australian national space policy and strategy since 1984.It investigated why the Australian Space Industry Development Strategy was not a successful influence on the development of a long-term sustainable national technological base or on the establishment of a viable commercial space-related industry in Australia. The research included the development of a strategic multilevel planning system involving a network innovation model into a nation's space science and technology policy development. The outcomes of the research reported in the thesis are discussed. The level of technological capability and capacity is a direct, inversely related factor to an increase in the degree in technology dependency. Australia needs a change of philosophy by accepting the global challenge through defining and supporting, within a national strategic planning, a national space strategy that incorporates network innovation concepts: a concept that must involve a balanced supply (science) and demand (commercial) characteristics of an innovation network system. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Management)