How does CCRSPI work?

Collaborate, coordinate and communicate – not control

CCRSPI focuses on collaboration, coordination and communication not control of the research agenda. The CCRSPI framework operates by consensus and transparency, with regular reporting to CCRSPI Steering Committee, and is flexible to different partner needs/processes (partners are free to pursue their own research interests as desired). CCRSPI partners lead, participate or link research activity on agreed research themes, and work collaboratively on submissions or projects.

Collaborate

The CCRSPI partners are working collaboratively to further develop the research themes set out in the CCRSPI Phase 1 report, and to identify key organisations and individuals that can lead and coordinate research information relating to the individual themes (both through their own networks and with the support of the CCRSPI Secretariat).

The CCRSPI partners also work collaboratively to produce submissions on other proposed frameworks and policy initiatives (although individual partners may also make their own submissions, or decline, as needed on a case by case basis, to be involved in a collaborative project). In particular, CCRSPI gives a channel through which industry perspectives can be incorporated into submissions, given the ability of the relevant Rural Research & Development Corporations to contribute input and priorities.

Coordinate

Research activity is coordinated across CCRSPI partners to help researchers and the users of research share information, priorities, and (where possible) scope new work. For example, the fisheries sector is currently setting up a network to coordinate investment in national climate change research priorities. It is envisaged that between 6-10 coordination workshops will be held by June 2009.

Where the CCRSPI partners agree there is an immediate research need based on the agreed CCRSPI themes, where it is clear that no other organization is planning to undertake similar research (i.e. there will be no duplication of effort), and where no individual CCRSPI partner wishes to lead the proposed research project, the CCRSPI Secretariat can commission specific research work on behalf of the partners.

Communicate

In addition to the regular Steering and Stakeholder committee meetings, the CCRSPI Secretariat regularly circulates key reports and information to the partners, both from from the partner organizations and other organisations.

Of particular importance is the need for CCRSPI activities to remain relevant to farmers, community groups, and other organizations at the coal face of adaptation to drought and climate change.  Communication activities will reflect the emphasis of CCRSPI partners on the need for the programs communications and activities to be referenced to the real needs of individuals and businesses working within the primary industry sector.