Industry, science and resources portfolio

OUTCOME 1 - CONTRIBUTION OF OUTPUTS

The research products and services that constitute CSIRO’s outputs are an essential element of the Government’s strategy to encourage innovation in Australia. R&D underpins the implementation of advances in science and technology essential to build innovative, competitive firms and industries and to meet the challenges involved in protecting and sustaining the services of the natural environment.

The Government’s investment in CSIRO reflects its recognition that Australia requires world-class R&D capabilities to fully participate in, and benefit from, the increasingly knowledge-based global economy. At the same time, many of the issues facing managers of Australia’s industries and environment are uniquely Australian and of such a scale that only a dedicated Australian R&D capacity can be expected to meet our requirements.

CSIRO’s contribution to the nation is underpinned by its:

1. 
   strength in multi-disciplinary, systems-oriented research teams;
   
2. 
   advice-rich issue-focussed approach to priority setting and planning ;
   
3. 
   emphasis on astute partnering and developing commercially relevant business practices;
   
4. 
   efforts to sustain a balanced portfolio of near-term and long-sighted R&D;
   
5. 
   commitment to scientific excellence; and
   
6. 
   responsible stewardship of public trust and investment.
   

The following section provides information on the strategies adopted by CSIRO to deliver the planned outcome as well as indicators of CSIRO’s overall effectiveness, and information covering the planned contribution to the outcome of outputs within each output group.

CSIRO provides detailed information on the planned achievements within each output group in the CSIRO Strategic Research Plan published at the beginning of each triennium. The CSIRO Operational Plan describes how the Strategic Plan is put into effect on an annual basis.

There are six corporate performance indicators incorporated in CSIRO’s triennial funding agreement with the Government, shown in Table 2.2. In general these performance indicators are defined to apply at the whole-of-CSIRO level. However, where appropriate and feasible, CSIRO presents performance information at the output group or sector level.