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Background
On 28 July 2023, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet convened a one-day workshop with early and mid-career researchers aimed at identifying mechanisms to enhance collaboration between the research sector and Australian Public Service (APS). This discussion paper was distributed to participants prior to the workshop. The outcomes of the workshop can be found here.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest and participation in the workshop exploring ideas for strengthening collaboration between the Australian Public Service (APS) and academia on 28 July. This workshop is part of a broader push towards better partnerships in the APS.
You have been invited to participate thanks to your expertise and experience on collaboration between the APS and academia. As I’m sure you’re aware, this is not the first time public servants and academics have convened to discuss how better to work together to solve complex public policy challenges.
With a view to focusing the workshop’s discussion on solution-oriented outcomes, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has commissioned an academic to help consolidate the excellent thinking that has already been done around collaboration, both in the public and academic sector. This discussion paper, written by Dr Sarah Ball, serves as a foundation for upcoming workshop discussions. It delves into existing ideas about collaboration and proposes new potential innovations based on past experiences.
Although we are eager for progress, the APS has not made a commitment to implementing any of these ideas, nor do they represent a shortlist for such purposes. The range of ideas is intended to facilitate an exploratory discussion which unpacks the advantages and disadvantages of possible mechanisms in a collaborative environment.
We are grateful to Dr Sarah Ball for collating the contents of this paper, and to Professor Ariadne Vromen, who is facilitating the workshop, for providing oversight on its drafting.
What do you need to do?
Please read through this discussion paper as a basis for the ideas to be worked through on the day. During the workshop, you will be invited to share your reflections on the possible collaboration innovations and you will be welcomed to propose alternative mechanisms worth exploring. Your thinking will help inform the development of an outcomes report and ongoing work on this topic in the APS.
Dr Rachel Bacon, Deputy Secretary
APS Reform