Embedding impact pathway thinking into the identification and prioritisation of RD&E needs and investments for FRDC
In order to support a greater degree of systems thinking in its advisory committees, it is proposed to expose all committee members to the potential approaches to priority setting through a systems lens and benefits of these approaches, and then work with a subset of Research Advisory Committees [and possibly others] to test how bringing tools such as theory of change into their deliberations could assist them to deliver better designed priorities. Working specifically towards theories of change in the committee processes, at appropriate levels of complexity, is expected to provide (i) a context to making approaches of different committee members more explicit, (ii) a basis for better design logic, and (iii) a way of more readily communicating the committee's priorities. The focus of this approach on identifying and working back from ultimate objectives helps frame what may legitimately be narrow priorities in a wider analysis of system drivers such as incoherent policy environments or climate change and thus enable larger agendas to be built around such issues across FRDC. An explicit emphasis on barriers, enablers and assumptions, as well as what is necessary and sufficient to achieve the objectives, also provides a strong basis for evaluating progress and learning. Together these attributes are anticipated to achieve the intent of supporting better FRDC priority setting and increased impact for its stakeholders.
Designing the integration of extension into research projects: tangible pathways to enhance adoption and impact
Storm Bay Biogeochemical Modelling & Information System Supporting sustainable aquaculture expansion in Tasmania
SCRC: The Seafood CRC skills audit and articulation into the National Seafood Industry Training Package
Estimating the impacts of management changes on bycatch reduction and sustainability of high-risk bycatch species in the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery
Seafood CRC: preliminary investigation of internationally recognised Responsible Fisheries Management Certification
SCRC: Seafood CRC Participant sponsorship to 2009 National Seafood Industry Leadership Program
The CRC is all about capacity building within the CRC participants and the FRDC Seafood Leadership Program enables the opportunity to invest in people who are keen to show their leadership potential. Investing in Leadership, and the associated networks and cross stakeholder understanding is seen as vitally important for all sectors to be able to contribute to debate, drive change and address challenges in order to enable the Seafood CRC and the industry to reach its potential.
Final report
The National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP) equips individuals with skills; networks and; a whole of industry perspective, giving them the opportunity to represent their industry and to make a contribution at a national level in the future. The program comprises three residential sessions over six months with participants making a commitment to undertake a significant industry project during that time. The NSILP design focuses on creating effective linkages between current leaders and participants through mentoring, industry information sessions and participation at program dinners. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has formed a partnership with Rural Training Initiatives to design and deliver the NSILP.
The NSILP is the only national seafood industry specific leadership program and was initially designed in consultation with seafood industry people through the work of the Australian Fisheries Academy and was delivered for seven years by Leading Industries. The course focuses on developing the skills that participants can apply at three levels – personal, business and industry. The NSILP also requires participants to be involved in a nationally strategic project. The content of the program ensures that participants are exposed to handling conflict, effective communication, efficient meetings, high performance team building, managing change and media training. As part of the NSILP, participants are challenged with having to develop a project concept or strategies that will help achieve not only their vision for the seafood community but their mission for the group over the six month program.
In 2009, three Australian Seafood CRC participants were involved in the NSILP: Anni Conn (Seafarm Aquaculture); Joey McKibben (Tasmanian Abalone Council) and Nick Danenberg (Seafood CRC Post-Doctoral researcher).