The CRC Association was established on 1 December 1994, originally to promote the CRC Program while also acting a conduit for information sharing and learning between CRCs. Over time the role has evolved to the extent that today the CRCA is also recognised as the principal non-Government advocate of the CRC Program.

By contrast the Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry, Research and Science in Canberra administers the CRC Program. Detailed information about the CRC Program and its administration is available from https://www.crc.gov.au.

The purpose of the CRCA is the promotion of science in general, and specifically through the CRC Program. Its objective is: "To enhance Australia's industrial, commercial and economic growth through the development of sustained, user-driven, cooperative public-private research centres that achieve high levels of outcomes in adoption and commercialisation".

In meeting this objective, the CRCA has established three Strategic Goals:

1. Positioning the CRC Program
   Contribute to positioning the CRC Program in the Australian Government R&D portfolios to occupy a unique position as the Federal Government's premier applied industry research program that is worthy of investment for growth over the long term.
2. Learning and Growing
   Foster best practice in Member CRCs for the conduct and management of collaborative research
3. Conducting the Association's affairs
   Govern the CRC Association in an effective manner to secure its capacity to continue to serve its members.