2019-05-07 P&E Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Sustainability Institute - Concepts and Options Report

5.2              Conclusions
This report provides the findings of the first stage of a process to develop a “Noosa Sustainability
Institute” by determining what is already occurring both in Australia and Internationally around
sustainability Institutes and obtaining opinions from Council staff and a few community members.
The project team have brought together a series of Institute options for consideration. The
information obtained from this stage of the project has been used to consider what may work for
Noosa and what will not work. It is recommended that the Council consider which of these may
provide the basis for a suitable model structure to be advanced in Stage 2. Stage 2 of the project
would provide more information and assessment to reach a final appropriate Institute model and
structure.
It is recommended that the Council assess the merit of the three models provided, consider
the proposed attributes and determine a preferred potential model or number of options to
take to the next stage of assessment and consultation.
Should Council wish to proceed to stage 2, clear aims for the institute must be developed
and communicated to assist in the formulation of any institute structure and inform the
operating model.




5.3              Items for consideration
    Institute model 3 has the greatest complexity and management requirements but removes the
     requirement for Council to be the major driver of such an institute. This differs from the University-
     based institutes studied where the University maintains direct control (and costs).
    Setting boundaries and clear definition on research topics and efforts helps maintain the reasons
     for an institutes operation and existence.
    The most successful and active community Institutes use funding sources such as cafes, function
     centres and educational facilities to help cover operating costs. This also increases community
     engagement and participation in activities, which in-turn helps attract external sponsorship.
    Much of the research undertaken by the community-based institutes is small scale, localised
     research. This is not an ideal set up for a Noosa Institute. The University -led Institutes tend to
     focus on internal university capabilities which can narrow research outputs. Again, less than ideal
     for Noosa. Encouraging broad partnership research activities will provide greater research
     outputs and outcomes.
    Citizen science is an increasing activity in large, complex research projects. This improves
     “ownership “of research outcomes in the community.
    Data storage and dissemination is important to foster improved uptake of research outputs and
     improves knowledge retention in the region.
    Leveraging technology and emerging capabilities across digital platforms is expanding the
     potential to engage and increase participation of citizens, talent and knowledge on a global scale.




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