This paper investigates the nature of construction-related R&D (research and development) programs undertaken by public-sector organisations in Australia, and the linkages between those organisations and the construction industry. It is found that robust linkages do exist between the research providers and the industry. These linkages improve the relevance of R&D programs to industry needs. Nevertheless, research providers were found to be generally unsatisfied about the level of industry funding of R&D. The paper highlights the value of linkages between research providers and research users in the construction industry.