Public Policy Research, Analysis and Advice

1. Between a hard rock and a soft space: A background paper prepared for the National Innovation Review -

Extract from Executive Summary

This paper discusses the contribution that the arts, humanities and social sciences can make to innovation systems and innovation policy by embedding design and creative practice in innovation.

Innovation policy is a major economic development strategy - a strategy that is being adopted and implemented by cities, regions and nations to achieve economic results, measured as positive changes in employment, income, exports and productivity.

Innovation is not only the province of scientists, engineers and economists; it has also captured the interest and attention of researchers in the creative, visual and performing arts and in what the European Union refers to in its Framework 7 research program as the 'socio-economic sciences and the humanities'.

Some periods in history have been characterised by rapid economic, social and cultural change associated with developments and breakthroughs, both in science and in the arts. However, in addition to these 'supply' factors, 'demand' factors have been at work as well. Often, changes in underlying economic, social and cultural frameworks have allowed the generation, application and adoption of new ideas.

This paper argues that innovation policy should reflect broader perspectives, and the contribution of the arts, humanities and social sciences to innovation.

Dr John H Howard
08 July 2008

2. Rigour and Relevance - Extending the role of the social sciences and humanities in public policy research -

(Extract from Executive Summary)

Australia needs to encourage a new form of research that contributes directly to the formulation of policy in government. Such research is initiated by the end user rather than the researcher. It is characterised by being strategically driven, problem oriented and cross-disciplinary.

It is becoming increasingly necessary to draw on knowledge from many disciplines in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy and society. Scientific or technological research, in particular, benefits from the inclusion of complementary work in the social sciences and humanities. We need to think about ways the practice of interdisciplinary research can be encouraged and facilitated.

Interdisciplinary research is likely to be driven by end-user requirements. The creation of new knowledge to address those requirements rarely falls within the ambit of a single discipline: new knowledge for policy application in such areas as the natural environment, health and society, energy, transport, communication or innovation is inherently interdisciplinary.

The need for interdisciplinary approaches is becoming more pressing, as policymakers look for evidence as a basis for new program interventions and to make sure that scarce resources are directed towards resolving real, identified problems and delivering intended outcomes. In the area of climate change, water policy and the natural environment generally, policymakers and their advisers are calling for evidence drawn from research as a basis for policy and program design.

As the Australian Government moves to a new focus on innovation, the time is opportune to address ways in which government can support and fund problem-oriented, interdisciplinary research. The increasingly strategic approach to Australian public policy in the security, economic, social, cultural and environmental domains implies a need for research that contributes directly to policy formulation and implementation in those areas.

This paper looks at the sort of arrangements that can accommodate the demands for rigour (excellence) and relevance (application and use) in research performance and proposes a series of changes to enable integrative research in the public policy arena.

Dr John H Howard
18 May 2008

3. Innovation, Creativity and Leadership, 2008 -

This is a report of a study of the ACT innovation system.  The report documents Canberra's innovation infrastructure covering scientific, cultural and business capabilities.  The study draws attention to the importance of design, art and creative practice and its relationship to science and technology in driving innovation performance.  It also makes a number of recommnedations for taking Canberra's innovation strategy forward.

The report was launched by the ACT Chief Minister (Hon. Jon Stanhope) on 19 March 2008.

4. Changing Paradigms - Rethinking Innovation Policies, Practices and Programs - A study of innovation in Australian businesses. A Report to the Business Council of Australia, January 2006 View publication

5. The Emerging Business of Knowledge Transfer - This report prepared for the Department of Education, Science and Training by Dr John Howard, proposes a framework for identifying, tracking and understanding the economic contribution of universities and research organisations. It emphasises the plurality and the complexity of the channels and mechanisms through which universities and research organisations generate economic benefits and aims to enhance the understanding of research commercialisation and knowledge transfer processes. View publication

6. Melbourne - Australia's Knowledge Capital, 2007 -

The City of Melbourne, in partnership with the Vice-Chancellors of eight of Victoria's universities, commissioned Howard Partners to study the contributions made by Melbourne's universities to the economic, social and cultural life of the metropolitan area.

The Study aimed at enhancing Melbourne's competitiveness through a deeper appreciation of the role of universities as generators of knowledge, innovation, productivity, social cohesion and economic development.

A greater understanding of the role of universities can lead to Melbourne being positioned as Australia's 'Knowledge City' and a globally significant destination for investment, education, business, trade and creative activity.  In turn, the vitality and success of universities in their urban context depend on community, economic and cultural settings as well as sound governance.

7. Report on Knowledge Exchange Networks - The Business/Industry/Higher Education Collaboration Council (BIHECC) asked DEST to commission this Report as part of the Council's broader agenda to address issues relevant to collaboration between higher education and business/industry.
The report was written by Dr John Howard, Executive Chairman of Howard Partners.  View publication

8. Study of Fire Knowledge Networks -

The Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre sought advice for a strategy to establish a fire knowledge network.  The strategy involved building capability for the transfer and translation of knowledge between theory and practice.  

The study demonstrated the importance of the human factor in knowledge transfer as well as the technological, visual and multi-media dimensions.

The report's recommendtions are in the process of being implemented.

9. Venture Capital Trends -

Profile of Australian Early Stage Venture Capital Investments 1995-96 - 2003-04

10. Engagement in an Era of Industrialisation - In The Idea of Engagement: Universities in Society, ed. Svava Bjarnason and Patrick Coldstream.London: Association of Commonwealth Universities, 2003 (with Professor Ron Johnston). Contact us for a copy of this report

11. Evaluation of the Cooperative Research Centres Programme. - Canberra: Department of Education, Science and Training, 2003. View publication

12. Business, Higher Education and Innovation: Institutions for Engagement in a Mode 2 Society 2004 - PhD Abstract, University of Sydney, Awarded 2004. This PhD developed a conceptual framework for building capacity and capability in university-industry-government relationships. It endeavours to provide an operational framework for the "Triple Helix" concept in relation to knowledge transfer in the context of a Mode 2 society. Copies of the PhD may be obtained on request to Dr Howard View publication

13. Digital Factories Report Released by Minister - The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, has launched Digital factories: the hidden revolution in Australian manufacturing, a report prepared by Howard Partners for the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Digital factories examines how Australian manufacturers, including Orica, Arnotts and Bluescope Steel have used ICT to compete and to differentiate their products in the marketplace. The Minister stated: “The report brings home the importance of Australia’s ICT capability in providing innovative solutions that meet the needs of manufacturing,” Senator Coonan said. “The study shows that companies that use ICT strategically in their operations, and combine it with other manufacturing technologies, gain a great competitive advantage.” View publication

14. Securing Our Manufacturing Future: Small Business Manufacturing to 2015 and Beyond. - Sydney: Small Business Development Corporation, 2001. View publication

15. Study to Support the Development of a National Food Strategy - Management Capacities and Culture. - Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2001. View publication

16. Case Studies of Innovation in the Agri-food Industry. - Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Published as Recipes for Success. 2000 View publication

17. Commercialisation Discussion Paper - In Commercialisation Forum and Fair of Ideas. Sydney, 2003. View publication

18. Best Practice Processes for University Research Commercialisation. - Canberra: Department of Education, Science and Training, 2003. View publication

19. Mapping the Nature and Extent of Business-University Interaction in Australia. - Canberra: Australian Research Council, 2001. View publication

20. A Study of Government R&D Expenditure by Sector and Technology. - Canberra: Department of Industry, Science and Resources, 2000. Emerging Industries Occasional Paper No. 3. Contact us for a copy of this report

Program Evaluation and Review

1. Evaluation of the Cooperative Research Centres Programme. - Canberra: Department of Education, Science and Training, 2003. View publication

2. Evaluation of the New Industries Development Program. - Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2002. View publication

3. Interim Evaluation of the Innovation Investment Funds (IIF) Programme. - Canberra: Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, 2002 View publication

4. Interim Evaluation of the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) Programme. - Canberra: Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, 2002 View publication

5. Program Evaluation: The 'Bottom Line' for Management Improvement. - In Program Evaluation: Decision Making in Australian Government, ed. John Uhr. Canberra: Federalism Research Centre, 1992. Contact us for a copy of this report

General Management Consulting

Review of the Administration of the Natural Heritage Trust. - Canberra: Department of Environment and Heritage, 1999. View publication