NMI Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 · 2019-06-03 · BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 – 2018 1 . 2 BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 ... enhance the relevance

Building LinkagesNMI Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018

Front Cover:The double helix symbolises the measurement support in genetic testing that NMI is providing across a range of sectors including health, food, agriculture, environment and manufacturing.

Our VisionMeasurement policy, science and regulation underpinning

the economy and well-being of Australia.

Our MissionTo lead and facilitate a measurement system that serves,

enhances and adapts to the productivity and growth of Australian industries.

BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 – 2018 1

2 BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 – 2018

Department Objectives NMI's Contribution 2014 – 2018

Growing Business Investment & Improving Business Capability

Leading a measurement system that serves, enhances and adapts to the productivity & growth of Australian industries

Promoting investment in measurement to enhance productivity and foster innovation

Supporting trade and investment through the international recognition and acceptance of measurements made in Australia

Supporting Science & Commercialisation

Translating research outputs into products, processes and services

Assisting in translating measurement skills & best practice into applications

Streamlining Regulation Providing a clear, unambiguous regulatory framework that delivers confidence and fairness

Building a High Performing Organisation

Being an employer of choice that prioritises the safety of staff and inspires teams and individuals

Improving access to NMI’s capabilities and services for external users

OVERVIEWMeasurement is essential to innovation and science, is often a precursor to investment, and supports Australia’s safety, security, prosperity and quality of life. Examples of measurement are everywhere: in assuring the purity of food and water; environmental analyses; the passage of time; lighting efficiency; pathology testing; the use of electricity and gas; manufacturing; engineering and construction; chemical safety; agricultural production.

Almost every country has a peak body that ensures that accurate, nationally and internationally recognised measurements can be made. In Australia that organisation is the National Measurement Institute (NMI).

Operating under the National Measurement Act 1960 (Cth), NMI was formed in 2004 by the merger of three bodies covering the chemical, physical and legal aspects of measurement. NMI is now a one-stop shop for Australia’s

measurement needs, able to address complex, multi-dimensional measurement challenges.

NMI’s specialist in-house capabilities and extensive external linkages enable the efficient and effective delivery of the range of measurements most needed within Australia’s economy and society. NMI’s measurement expertise is applied in areas including law enforcement, manufacturing, food, agriculture, and environmental analyses. Our stakeholders participate in every part of the economy, including retail, mining and resources, banking and transport & communications.

NMI is a division of the Department of Industry and

Science and contributes to the Department's objectives.

Departmental vision:

‘Enabling growth and productivity for globally competitive industries’


In 2014 NMI celebrated ten years as a single organisation delivering the peak measurement infrastructure upon which Australians rely. In fulfilling this role we respond to Australia’s evolving measurement needs. We established a national system of trade measurement and developed new capabilities including nanoscale measurement and DNA-based biological measurement and we ceased several activities that became routine or were delivered by the private sector. Continuing this cycle of replacing superseded capabilities with new is essential to our support for an innovative, prosperous and productive Australia.

Australia has strategic measurement needs that are met by both NMI and private sector providers, and this mix is evolving. Filling the ever-changing gap between Australia’s needs and services available from the market is NMI’s key challenge. Future measurement needs are numerous and diverse, and we work in a national and international environment of significant economic constraints. NMI cannot meet all these needs from its own resources; in addition to providing measurement services, scientific, regulatory and policy advice we must also promote and enable investment in measurement across key sectors of the economy such as health and energy.

In the current economic and social environment NMI must ensure that the regulations we administer impose minimal burden on our stakeholders. We are supporting the Australian Government’s regulation reform agenda by continually streamlining our regulations and their administration. This involves a critical review and amendment of our regulatory framework that balances risk against regulatory outcomes.

In this context, delivering integrated, inter-disciplinary solutions to stakeholders is at the heart of our strategy for the next four years and beyond.

Our strategy comprises five key themes:

• targeted market approach to sectors of the economy

• increasing policy influence

• greater engagement to maintain and enhance relevance

• building new capabilities

• prioritising efforts

Organisationally, NMI will need to evolve to deliver our strategy. We are strengthening inter-disciplinary and stakeholder-focused leadership and work programs and our policy capabilities so that we can consistently assess and contribute to issues. I am confident that the strategy’s five themes, supported by this internal evolution, provide a solid foundation for the provision of Australia’s measure-ment needs well into the future.

Part of this solid foundation is the Australian Government’s confidence that the governance arrangements best suit our national context. As we deliver on our strategy we will consider the alignment of our varied functions with those of other agencies and the capabilities of the private sector. We will also support decision-making processes and implement changes as necessary to deliver the best outcome for Australia.

In undertaking all this, we will continue to uphold the values of the Australian Public Service, maintain our commitment to excellence, and invest in our staff to enhance the relevance of our measurement expertise. We will continue to give work health and safety priority over all other considerations.

We have set ourselves challenging but achievable goals. Success will be denoted by the public awareness of the significance of measurement, the value that the public places on our activities, and the trust that they have in our capabilities – in food testing, forensics, trade, nanoparticle measurement – to name but a few.

I am confident that our strategy will deliver a dynamic and flexible measurement infrastructure that underpins the economy and well-being of Australia.

Dr Peter Fisk Chief Executive and Chief Metrologist

March 2015

Message from the CEO


National measurement infrastructure and practices everywhere are being challenged by rapid scientific and economic development, technological innovation, and new and unexpected applications of knowledge and technologies. New measurement needs emerge while others decline or become accepted practice by industry. These broader changes occur alongside contemporary domestic economic and policy imperatives such as the emphasis on minimal and efficient regulation with significantly reduced cost burden.

Global approaches to measurement are essential for trans-national trade and serve as a technical basis for solving major scientific, social and economic challenges. Inter-governmental treaties that provide agreed frameworks for scientific and legal measurement facilitate the realisation of outcomes from international engagement on measurement.

NMI recognises the need for new and innovative approaches to offer value-added services to our

stakeholders, particularly in solving multi-faceted, complex issues. Trusted, fit-for-purpose measurement can help improve productivity by maximizing production line efficiency, reducing waste, pollution and energy use. Measurement can assist in understanding biological processes and contribute to better decision making on potentially contentious economic activities. NMI will meet these challenges by providing relevant services and solutions as well as by using our measurement expertise to inform contemporary government policy and provide integrated, inter-disciplinary measurement responses.

By coordinating and fully utilising NMI’s in-house knowledge, expertise and strengths across measurement disciplines, NMI will maximise the benefits it delivers to Australia.

The following sections summarise our strategy and its implementation, providing a roadmap for delivering the measurement needs of today and anticipating the measurement needs of tomorrow.

Strategic

CONTEXT

Scientific/Technological DevelopmentsNew developments allow greater precision and create new possibilities for health, the environment and energy.

Economic GrowthGlobal measurement

linkages support national economies and trans-

national trade.

Informing GovernmentMeasurement informs policy, improves economic performance and supports effective regulation that underpins the integrity of trade with reduced cost burden.

Knowledge EconomyKnowledge-based services

facilitate innovation and provide solutions for society.


Strategic

AGENDA

MARKET APPROACH Increase services to

sectors of the economyincluding energy, health,

environment and food

POLICY INFLUENCEContribute to government

policy and agenda;simplify and consolidate

regulation

GREATER ENGAGEMENTIncrease engagement inorder to promote greater

investment inmeasurement

BUILD CAPABILITYDevelop skills in project

management & collaborationand work in a more

multi-disciplinary way

Measurement policy,science and regulation

underpinning theeconomy and well-being of Australia

PRIORITISE EFFORTReview activities and realign

priorities in response toavailable resourcing and

other challenges


NMI will implement five strategies to deliver greater benefits from measurement to the Australian economy.

Market ApproachFocus on priority sectors of the economy where investment in measurement can benefit industry, trade and government

Analysing chemicals in the environmentNMI has supported Australian industry actions regarding environmental sustainability by responding to major oil spill incidents, assessing historical industrial contamination, and monitoring water quality during all phases of the water cycle. The resources industry benefits from a customer focussed analytical supplier, the community benefits from a clean environment and the regulators are assured that the results of testing are accurate and come from an independent source.


Actions Goals during 2014 – 2018 Desired Outcomes

Energy sector: Extend the range and delivery of measurement in energy and resources

• Develop new calibration and testing services for electricity grids (e.g. fast transients, on-site high-current calibrations)

• Establish and promote the capability to calibrate natural gas meters used in pipelines and the transport industry

• Support natural gas export industry with reference gas mixtures and flow calibration services and underpin the development of a high-flow, high-pressure calibration facility.

NMI will provide greater benefits from measurement and has commenced engagement with key partners and customers. NMI supports the economy and society:

• with new measurements that will increase transparency and trust

• with standards and regulations that facilitate functioning of the economy

• by ensuring the energy and resources industries have access to measurement infrastructure that aligns with industry policies such as the Energy White Paper

• by providing measurement activities related to health.

Environmental sector: Extend support for the measurement of environmental contaminants

• Increase water and air testing (market uptake, method development) to support extraction of unconventional gas

• Broaden the scale of activity in emerging contaminants including persistent organic pollutants to support regulatory frameworks and consumer confidence.

Health sector: Support the quality of pathology services, accuracy of medical measuring devices, and effectiveness of new medical technologies

• Provide industry with quality benchmarks for pathology testing

• Develop effective and practical test protocols for medical measuring devices

• Integrate best measurement practice into new medical technologies such as genetic tests and nanomedicines.

Extend sector focus approach

• Develop and implement food sector strategy

• Establish focus teams to scope measurement needs in other economic sectors.

Policy InfluenceStrengthen measurement input into policy development

National Trade Measurement – reducing costs to industry On 1 July 2010, a new national system of trade measurement was established under NMI’s administration. Prior to 2010 trade measurement was administered by States and Territories, meaning that Australian businesses had to deal with up to eight different regulatory systems.

NMI brought Australia’s trade measurement regimes together by creating one consistent and reliable national system that better meets the needs of Australian business and supports the international reputation of our exported products.



Proactively identify opportunities to contribute expertise to government's policy agenda

• Align NMI priorities with government and departmental objectives

• Reduce regulatory burden

• Enhance policy contributions in key areas including energy, health, environment and food

• Review international engagement to ensure it meets industry objectives.

NMI will promote the positive returns and externalities from increased investment in measurement. NMI will endeavour to ensure that contemporary policy challenges are informed by measurement science and applications in areas including health, energy, environment, transport, infrastructure and food. Where trading partners’ policy considerations determine a need for regulation based on measurement, NMI can assist with determining the minimum levels needed for effectiveness. Measurement will support a stronger, more productive and diverse economy with more innovation, investment and jobs:

• Industry Policy: measurement can assist industry productivity, growth, trade and competitiveness

• Deregulation: measurement regulation will only be applied and maintained where it is necessary and where a net benefit can be demonstrated. NMI will administer regulations with common sense, empathy and respect.

Simplify and consolidate measurement regulation

• Engage with industry, advisory and consultative groups on regulatory framework

• Complete deregulation review and implement changes.

Greater EngagementAn effective market approach requires greater engagement to promote investment in measurement

Australian Illicit Drug Intelligence Program (AIDIP)In 2004 the government funded the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to develop an illicit drug intelligence program. NMI worked with AFP on the program and within three years achieved such success that the project was converted into core AFP business. Strategic intelligence through chemistry has led to the disruption of drug trafficking and the AIDIP is now one of the strongest programs of its kind in the world, with NMI regarded as a centre of excellence for illicit drug profiling.



Proactively enhance stakeholder engagement and its effectiveness

• Continue and expand engagement programto anticipate and respond to changing stakeholder needs

• Establish a broader NMI-wide businessdevelopment function and associated marketing

• Set up advisory groups in particular sectors.Wind down or change membership of advisory groups when need is no longer present or has changed

• Use integrated capabilities when we engagewith external stakeholders

• Identify key external partners – both nationaland international – to develop coordinated approaches and harness potential.

NMI will engage with key issues facing Australian industry, trade and government, and promote investment in multi-disciplinary measurement support. NMI will:

• provide integrated advice and solvecomplex measurement problems requiring multiple measurement disciplines and multiple measurement results

• effectively address today’smeasurement needs and technologies, and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges, so that measurement services align with stakeholders’ needs

• increase customer satisfaction,retention, and referrals, and reduce the cost of doing business

• provide independent, clear advice toalign NMI services and activities with industry needs.

Build CapabilityBuild multi-disciplinary skills and capabilities to produce greater value to stakeholders

Enabling comparability of genetic measurements NMI's work in quantitative DNA measurement technologies has provided the foundation to support the transition of biomarker discoveries into validated genetic assays with direct benefits for industry partners, researchers and government stakeholders.

Applications of NMI's expertise in DNA measurement are diverse, used to provide reference materials to detect toxic algal blooms in water storages, validate diagnostic markers for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, enable implementation of the first test for gene doping detection in NMI's Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory and prepare verification standards for DNA measuring instruments.



Foster intra-and inter-organisational engagement and collaboration

• Establish multidisciplinary teams to utilise NMI-wide skills and include external parties where needed

• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization, and develop supporting systems

• Grow project management skills to enhance delivery of a suite of evolving services

• Recruit for and develop existing multi-disciplinary capabilities and soft skills of communications

We will continue to build and evolve capabilities to provide our stakeholders with the measurement services they will need in the future.

NMI is committed to:

• staff having a working knowledge of skills beyond those needed for expertise in their regulatory, technical or scientific measurement areas

• increased information flow, improved processes, employees doing their jobs better, faster and less expensively, leading to productivity increases and competitive advantages

• equipping staff with business development management and engagement skills

• planning, establishing project priorities, and improving decision making, people management skills and communication skills with stakeholders.

Stakeholders will:

• have access to innovative, creative, synergistic solutions and ideas that are built on NMI’s diversity of experiences, expertise and knowledge

• continue to regard NMI as a trusted measurement partner

Prioritise EffortReview and re-prioritise our measurement science and services to maintain on-going relevance and benefits to Australia

Measurement facilities for Australia's future Over the past ten years, the Australian Government has invested in a suite of major new measurement facilities that can meet Australia's needs.

With this support, NMI has moved all its chemical analyses into modern state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; established unique biotechnology and nanotechnology capability at its Lindfield site; commissioned a custom site at Londonderry for testing liquid hydrocarbon flow and rolled out a nationwide presence to deliver Australia's trade measurement system. NMI's facilities position Australia to use and adapt leading-edge measurement technologies for industry, regulation and research.



Re-align current and future capabilities with needs of stakeholders and customers

• Establish external review panels, systematically conduct reviews and implement findings

• Identify, establish, and formalise networks and partnerships in order to maximise the return from collaborations

• Respond to market and environmental demands for new services

• Reflect the changing economy and manage resources to meet new priorities.

Technological changes together with stakeholder expectations and funding pressures require us to review our priorities and capabilities regularly.

NMI will ensure that:

• activities and measurement capabilities are assessed for quality, benefit to Australia, potential impacts and alternative delivery mechanisms

• our capacity to create and share knowledge and develop solutions with stakeholders is strengthened

• stakeholder input and consultation contributes to prioritisation of activities and helps maintain a focus on best serving the various sectors of the economy.

Implementation 12 BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 – 2018

Strategic Action 2014 – 15 2015 – 16 2016 – 17 2017 – 18

Market Approach

• Energy sector: Extend the range and delivery of measurement in energy and resources

Sig Max Sig BAU

• Environmental sector: Extend support for the measurement of environmental contaminants

Sig Sig Sig Sig

• Health sector: Support the quality of pathology services, accuracy of medical measuring devices and effectiveness of new medical technologies

Sig Sig Sig Sig

• Extend sector focus approach

BAU Sig Sig BAU

Policy Influence

• Proactively identify opportunities to contribute expertise to government's policy agenda

Max Sig Sig Sig

• Simplify and consolidate measurement regulation

Max Max Sig BAU

Greater Engagement • Proactively enhance stakeholder engagement and its effectiveness

Sig Sig Sig Sig

Build Capability • Foster intra-and inter-organisational engagement and collaboration

Max Sig Sig BAU

Prioritise Effort • Re-align current and future capabilities with needs of stakeholders and customers

BAU Max Sig Sig

© Commonwealth of Australia ISBN TBC

With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and where otherwise noted, all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/au/).

For the avoidance of doubt this licence only applies to the material as set out in this document. The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/aulegalcode).

Disclaimer.

This plan has been prepared by NMI and indicates our intended direction given current knowledge and circumstances. It is not a commitment by the Australian Government or to a particular course of action. NMI accepts no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the content.

This document is available online at www.measurement.gov.au


Max = maximum effortSig = significant effortBAU = business as usual

Strategic Action 2014 – 15 2015 – 16 2016 – 17 2017 – 18

Market Approach

• Energy sector: Extend the range and delivery of measurement in energy and resources

Sig Max Sig BAU

• Environmental sector: Extend support for the measurement of environmental contaminants

Sig Sig Sig Sig

• Health sector: Support the quality of pathology services, accuracy of medical measuring devices and effectiveness of new medical technologies

Sig Sig Sig Sig

• Extend sector focus approach

BAU Sig Sig BAU

Policy Influence

• Proactively identify opportunities to contribute expertise to government's policy agenda

Max Sig Sig Sig

• Simplify and consolidate measurement regulation

Max Max Sig BAU

Greater Engagement • Proactively enhance stakeholder engagement and its effectiveness

Sig Sig Sig Sig

Build Capability • Foster intra-and inter-organisational engagement and collaboration

Max Sig Sig BAU

Prioritise Effort • Re-align current and future capabilities with needs of stakeholders and customers

BAU Max Sig Sig

National Measurement Institute Bradfield Road West Lindfield NSW 2070

PO Box 264 Lindfield NSW 2070 Australia

Telephone: +61 2 8467 3600Facsimile: +61 2 8467 3610

www.measurement.gov.au [email protected]

ABN 74 599 608 295

Documents

NMI Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 · 2019-06-03 · BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 – 2018 1 . 2 BUILDING LINKAGES • NMI STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 ... enhance the relevance